Contributed by: Ben Travers, Head of the IP, IT and Data Protection Team at Stephens Scown
Are you on the right side of the law when it comes to using technology?
When the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown began, we saw a rapid uptake in digital technologies with businesses making quick decisions in the interest of short term survival.
During the T4S SME Live Summit we’ll be talking about how to best use technology to accelerate your business while acknowledging the legal implementations of this ever-advancing digital world.
For longer-term strategic decisions about the development and deployment of technology, consider these three points:
- Businesses using online platforms without checking the small print can have a negative long-term impact, for example, the terms restrict the business’ intellectual property in the future, or put the business in breach of its confidentiality provisions.
- Dealing directly with consumers (especially online) is a very different landscape to traditional trading, with strong protections for consumers of which businesses need to be aware.
- As businesses work remotely, they become more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Their GDPR compliance, training and culture are really important to help mitigate the legal and also the reputational risks to their consumers.
At Stephens Scown, we advise businesses on the successful adoption and development of technology, covering areas where technology and the law intersect, including trading online, online reputation management, software platforms, and open source technology, etc.
At the T4S SME Live Summit, we’ll be talking about how you can use technology to benefit your business while recognising the importance of checking the small print and ensuring that your staff, customers and business are protected. Book your place at the T4S SME Live Summit: bit.ly/T4S_SME_Live