North Americans Pegged as Least Informed on Pharma GDPR, GlobalData Reports

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Only 54% of North Americans feel informed about the requirements of the general data protection regulation (GDPR), according to a report by GlobalData.

North Americans are the least likely to say that they feel informed about the requirements of the new European Union (EU) regulation, known as the general data protection regulation (GDPR), out of those surveyed in the global pharmaceuticals industry, GlobalData noted in an Aug. 9, 2018 press release. 

The company’s latest report, GDPR in the Healthcare Industry, published in July 2018, states that only 54% of North Americans feel informed about the EU regulation, compared to 84% of both Europeans and those in the Asia-Pacific region, and 67% of those in other global regions.

“These results suggest that those in the U[nited] S[tates] pharmaceuticals industry may be less prepared than in other regions when it comes to adopting the new business practices needed to meet requirements set out by the GDPR,” said Thomas Moore, senior pharma analyst at GlobalData, in the company’s press release. “This observation could be due to GDPR having arguably less of a direct impact on companies operating in North America than those in other global regions, which are often more dependent on EU business operations.”

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GlobalData’s report is based on a broader survey of participants from across industry sectors who were asked about changes to their business practice due to GDPR, as well as their sentiment towards the legislation. The report focuses on the answers provided by those in the pharmaceuticals industry, with the key objectives being to benchmark the factors which impact the healthcare sector, determine challenges with GDPR compliance, and track changes to corporate strategy.

“GDPR was a piece of legislation brought into effect by the EU on May 25, 2018, which aims to provide EU citizens with greater rights and control regarding the processing and distribution of their personal data,” Moore explained in the release. “Due to the complexity of the regulations, it is essential that businesses stay highly informed should they wish to continue operating within EU member states. GlobalData’s report aims to provide insight on how companies in the healthcare industry have responded to GDPR globally.”

Source: GlobalData