Unlocking GDPR Compliance: A Critical Step in Breakout’s Global Growth

Breakout Learning is Officially GDPR Compliant! 

— Knock knock

— Who's there?

— GDPR

— GDPR who?

— I can't say.

When we set our sights on expanding Breakout Learning beyond the USA, one thing became immediately clear: if we wanted to win over customers in Europe and the UK, we had to meet one of the strictest data protection regulations in the world - General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

To be honest, when we first read through the GDPR regulations, we were hit with that “uh-oh” moment. But we knew that getting compliant wasn’t just about dodging hefty fines - it was about building trust with our international customers and empowering them to feel secure while using our platform.

Here’s how we turned our GDPR compliance journey into something positive, impactful, and truly reflective of our core values.

Why GDPR Matters: Some Eye-Opening Facts

If you’re wondering why GDPR is so important, here are a few facts that will make you rethink the way you handle customer data and why compliance is not optional:

1. GDPR Affects Over 5 Billion People. Since its enforcement in 2018, GDPR has reached over 5 billion people worldwide. It’s not just a European regulation - it’s a global mandate. If your company handles data from EU citizens, GDPR applies - no matter where you're based.
2. GDPR Fines are Real. The total GDPR fines as of January 2025 is €5,597,598,941. The largest fine issued was €746 million for Amazon in 2021. This shows how seriously regulators take GDPR violations.
3. Consumers Care About Privacy. 80% of consumers are more likely to buy from companies that they believe handle their data responsibly. Prioritizing privacy doesn’t just protect you from fines - it helps create stronger customer loyalty.
4. The Cost of Data Breaches. The average data breach cost in the EU is around €3.5 million, with each stolen record costing about €130. GDPR compliance helps minimize these risks by ensuring your company has proper security measures in place.
5. GDPR is Global. GDPR has inspired similar regulations across the world, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and Brazil’s LGPD. Privacy laws are evolving globally, and GDPR is setting the standard.

https://www.privacyengine.io/gdpr-statistics-worldwide-2024/

Step 1: Why We Knew We Had to Be GDPR Compliant

When we decided to take Breakout Learning global, we knew we couldn’t just coast along - we needed to prove to our customers that we were serious about their privacy. GDPR compliance became a must-do, not just to avoid fines but to build stronger relationships with our customers.

Here’s why:

• Trust is Everything. As data privacy becomes a top concern for consumers, GDPR compliance shows that we value and protect their data.
• Big Fines, Bigger Risk. GDPR violations can cost businesses millions. Staying compliant helps protect us financially and reputationally.
• Global Growth. Expanding into Europe and the UK meant that GDPR compliance wasn’t optional. It was the key to unlocking new markets and winning customers.

"The GDPR isn’t a hurdle to overcome; it’s an opportunity to ensure that customers’ data is treated with the respect and privacy it deserves”.

— Elizabeth Denham, Former UK Information Commissioner

Step 2: The Data Audit - Starting with a Reality Check

Once we committed to GDPR compliance, we had to take a hard look at our data practices. It was a bit like cleaning out a messy closet - you don’t really know what’s there until you start pulling things out.

Here’s what we found:

• Unclear Data Collection. We needed to figure out exactly what data we were collecting, from whom, and why.
• Incomplete Documentation. Not all of our data processing activities were fully documented, which made it hard to show compliance.
• Consent Confusion. Our consent processes weren’t as transparent as they needed to be, and GDPR requires full clarity.

This audit was our chance to fix things before they became a more significant issue.

Step 3: Consent - The Heart of GDPR

One of the first things we had to do was rethink how we obtained consent. Under GDPR, obtaining clear, informed consent isn’t just a formality - it’s a fundamental right.

Here’s what we changed:

• Clear, Transparent Consent. We redesigned our consent forms to ensure that users fully understand what they’re agreeing to, from data usage to how long we’ll store it.
• Easy Access to Rights. Users now have easy access to their data and can request updates or deletions with minimal hassle. GDPR guarantees the right to access, rectify, and erase personal data.

By revamping how we handle consent, we made sure our users are in control of their data.

Step 4: Security - Protecting What Matters

Data security is non-negotiable under GDPR. We wanted to go above and beyond the minimum requirements to ensure our users’ data is fully protected. So, we implemented robust security measures across our systems.

• We successfully implemented over 39 new controls to ensure GDPR compliance across our organization, covering everything from data access to breach notifications.
• Over 40 employees received comprehensive GDPR training, ensuring that privacy practices are embedded across all departments.
• We audited and documented over 200 data processing activities, ensuring that every step of our data handling process meets GDPR’s stringent requirements.
• Role-Based Access: Only those who absolutely need access to personal data get it. With Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), we limit exposure and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

These steps are part of the foundation that allows us to comply with GDPR and protect our users.

Step 5: Our Expert Partner in Compliance

Navigating GDPR compliance is no easy feat, so we partnered with ThinkSys Inc, a team of over 400 experts known for their flexibility, power and reliability. They were a huge help in ensuring we were aligned with all GDPR requirements.

Not only did ThinkSys guide us through the compliance process, but they also served as our internal auditor for SOC2, ensuring our internal processes were SOC2-ready before the external audit.

Step 6: Continuous Monitoring and Training - Embedding GDPR in Our Culture

Achieving GDPR compliance wasn’t the end - it was the beginning of an ongoing journey. To ensure long-term compliance, we embedded privacy and data protection practices into our company culture.

• Ongoing Monitoring. With continuous monitoring tools in place, we stay on top of our compliance status in real-time.
• Employee Training. We rolled out regular, engaging training sessions to ensure everyone at Breakout Learning understands the importance of GDPR and how to stay compliant in their day-to-day work.

Step 7: The Big Day - Achieving Compliance and What It Means for Us

After months of hard work and dedication, Breakout Learning is now fully GDPR compliant! 🎉 This wasn’t just about ticking a checkbox - it was about securing our customers’ trust and setting ourselves up for future success in new markets.

What We Learned (And What You Can Learn From Us)

1. GDPR Isn’t Just a Legal Requirement - It’s About Trust. Achieving compliance isn’t just about meeting the regulations. It’s about building long-term trust with your customers.
2. Consistency is Key. Compliance isn’t a one-time task. We’ve learned that GDPR is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort.
3. Everyone’s Responsibility. From marketing to product development, every department had a role to play. GDPR compliance isn’t just an IT issue - it’s an organization-wide effort.

Final Thoughts

Our GDPR compliance journey wasn’t a quick win, but it’s one of the most rewarding things we’ve accomplished. We’re now able to confidently say that we take our customers’ privacy seriously, and we’re ready to continue growing in Europe and the UK without compromising on trust.

However, this is not the end. Achieving GDPR compliance is just the first step. As we continue to expand globally, we recognize that there are other privacy regulations we will need to comply with, such as LGPD in Brazil, DPDP in India and PIPL in China. Privacy laws are constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve means continually improving our security practices and ensuring we meet new standards as they emerge. This ongoing effort will help us maintain the trust of our customers and partners worldwide.

If you’re considering tackling GDPR compliance, don’t be intimidated. It’s a challenge, but one that’s worth every effort. Plus, it gives your customers the peace of mind they deserve.

Want to chat about your own compliance efforts or share your experiences? Let’s connect - I’d love to hear from you!