Author: James Ewen

Media consumption has changed rapidly, especially in recent decades. Who would have thought that one day we would own devices to watch all the movies we want to watch or listen to the music we like most while running or flying without downloading it?

This evolution transformed behaviors, communication, and the media and entertainment production industry. And behind this evolution, it is necessary to have increasingly powerful technological support.

If in the past everyone gathered in front of a TV or radio set to spend a moment of entertainment or catch up on world news, today anyone can use their smartphone or other devices to watch movies, listen to music or podcasts, play live online casino games, read books, or play video games.

What is streaming?

Streaming is the name given to the technology that transmits file data, such as music, text, and video, over the Internet, in “real-time” without downloading the content to a device.

Today’s most famous examples of streaming are Netflix, Spotify, TikTok, Amazon Prime, and YouTube, also known as OTT (Over The Top).

A 100-year history

Hardly anyone remembers it, but the radio was the first streaming medium created towards the end of the 19th century, mainly for military purposes. The technology evolved into a user-oriented interface that reigned in homes for decades.

Around 1920, U.S. Major General George Owen Squier patented a system for transmitting and distributing signals over power lines to provide music to listeners without using a radio, allowing control over who would consume the service.

Then came television, which established itself in the 1950s as one of the most significant technological and cultural advances of the 20th century. But its story, undoubtedly, can only be told because there was streaming, the last evolution of our times.

It became dependent on a connection to play multimedia titles and live broadcasts. As a result, services accelerated worldwide, and the pandemic added more speed to this trajectory.

The thought of CDs and DVDs seems like a thing of the distant past; so great is the power of change in entertainment consumption habits!

The connection between streaming and entertainment

Online streaming has revolutionized the entertainment industry, radically changing how we consume movies, TV series, music, live shows, and podcasts. Below we will explore the application of streaming in different aspects of entertainment.

Movies and TV series

Streaming video on demand (SVOD) platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu have changed how we watch movies and TV series. These services offer a vast catalog of content, ranging from movie classics to the latest TV series, allowing users to choose what to watch and when.

Music

Streaming has also transformed the way we listen to music. Services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal offer access to millions of music tracks, allowing users to listen to their favorite songs, create personalized playlists, and discover new artists.

These platforms have also introduced new business models for the music industry based on monthly subscriptions or advertising, which have helped to counter the decline in CD sales and digital downloads.

Live performances and events

Online streaming has expanded opportunities for viewers to attend live performances and special events.

For example, concerts, plays, music festivals, and conferences stream live on YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch platforms, allowing a global audience to participate virtually in events that would otherwise be accessible only to those physically present.

In addition, the pandemic of COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of virtual entertainment formats, with many artists and event organizers turning to streaming to continue entertaining audiences remotely.

Podcasts

Podcasts are another entertainment format that has benefited from online streaming. Thanks to platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, users can easily access a wide variety of audio content, ranging from news and fiction stories to interviews and in-depth programs.

In addition, streaming has enabled a new generation of content producers to emerge and helped spread the culture of podcasting worldwide.

Sports

Online streaming has also significantly impacted the world of sports, offering fans new ways to follow their favorite teams and competitions, including live match broadcasts, on-demand event coverage, in-depth programs, and sports documentaries.

In addition, through streaming, sports fans can easily access a wide variety of events worldwide, including national championships, international tournaments, and minor competitions that would otherwise be difficult to find on TV.

Live Commerce as an alternative streaming market

Alternative streaming markets are entering this growth trend. One of them is live commerce – the intersection between sales and entertainment. This format has been gaining popularity in China, with major retail players organizing online lives to promote an actual discount festival.

Another example is cloud gaming. The gaming industry is already primarily integrated with video streaming, including a community of 7.5 million gamers who watch and stream games via Twitch.

Now, the trend is for technology to be present in gaming thanks to the marriage of 5G and Artificial Intelligence technologies.

James Ewen

James is the head of marketing at Tamoco

Concept for a Music Streaming App

The more information you can gather about your proposal before contacting developers, the better. Make a list of the features you wish to have in your app, try to explain what makes it special, and decide what you need to focus on to get popularity.

All of this information may alter as you receive professional advice, but at the very least, you’ll have a focal point and a topic to discuss.

Choose a Platform

The choice of your app platform is the next stage. You may create a cross-platform app that runs on both iOS and Android or you can create a native app for iOS or Android. While native applications need more resources and development time, they provide superior performance and user experience. Cross-platform programs can be created more quickly, but they may not function as well.

You must take into account elements like user demographics, market share, and development expenses when selecting your app platform. A hybrid app development framework, like React Native or Xamarin, which combines the advantages of native and cross-platform app development, may also be worth your consideration.

Gather a Team

Think carefully about who is on your internal team, what skills they already have, and how effective they are at doing their tasks. You may hire a music app development company if you don’t want to spend time finding employees, but in this case, you must consider the company’s reputation and customer feedback. In a market where competition is fierce, time is important. If they are unable to meet your demands, there will be a lot of subsequent rework, which means a loss of time.

Plan the Architecture of Your App

Designing the architecture of your app includes specifying the user interface, navigation flow, and backend infrastructure. You must guarantee that your software is simple to use, provides a consistent user experience, and is scalable enough to accommodate a big user base.

Wireframes and mockups may help you imagine your app’s design and user experience. You may also use software development tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello to oversee your development process and guarantee that your app is built on time and under budget.

Development

The development step includes designing the app, building the front end and back end, integrating third-party services, and testing the app for faults and problems. Ensure sure your program has a solid security system, is suited for all screen sizes, and offers a consistent user experience.

While developing your app, you must use up-to-date frameworks and technologies, such as Swift for iOS development or Kotlin for Android development. To ensure scalability and reliability, you may also host your app’s backend on cloud services like Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud Platform.

Launch Your Music App

This includes developing a marketing strategy, establishing a strong web presence, and recruiting customers to your app. To advertise your app and enhance user acquisition, you may utilize social media, content marketing, influencer marketing, and other tactics.

While releasing your app, you should think about things like app store optimization, user acquisition expenses, and retention methods. You may use tools such as Google Analytics or Mixpanel to track key performance indicators and assess the success of your app launch.

Obtain a License

You won’t be able to disseminate someone else’s composition all over the place so easily. Copyright laws and legal processes must be followed. Otherwise, you might face legal action.

You need a Public Performance Rights license to provide consumers with high-quality audio or video material. Three organizations are in charge of it in the USA:  BMI.com, ASCAP.com, and SESAC.com. In Europe, Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) that represent copyright holders grant Public Performance Rights (PPR) licenses. These CMOs function on a nationwide scale and are in charge of licensing musical works for public performance within their respective jurisdictions. Also, a certain portion of profits must be given to musicians as royalties for utilizing their music.

Conclusion

Developing a music app in 2023 will need careful planning and technological competence. Following these five stages will help you enhance your chances of success and create a music app that provides a seamless user experience and attracts a huge user base. In the digital era, a music app may be a successful and gratifying commercial enterprise with the appropriate strategy.

James Ewen

James is the head of marketing at Tamoco

Are you tired of manually creating employee schedules every week? Do you find it challenging to manage employee schedules, time off requests, and shift swaps? If so, employee scheduling apps are the perfect solution for you. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into employee scheduling apps, their features, and benefits, and how they can streamline your scheduling process.

What are Employee Scheduling Apps?

Employee scheduling apps are software tools that help managers create and manage employee schedules. These apps allow you to create schedules, assign shifts, manage time-off requests, and handle shift swaps. Most employee scheduling apps are cloud-based, meaning you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection.

Benefits of Using Employee Scheduling Apps

Employee scheduling apps offer several benefits, including:

Time-Saving

One of the biggest advantages of using employee scheduling apps is that they save time. Manually creating schedules can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large team. With scheduling apps, you can create schedules in a matter of minutes, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

Improved Communication

Employee scheduling apps improve communication between managers and employees. These apps allow employees to view their schedules and request time off or shift swaps. Managers can also communicate schedule changes and updates to employees quickly and easily. You can use external chat api to add chat function in your scheduling app

Reduced Errors

Manual scheduling is prone to errors, such as double-booking employees or assigning the wrong shift. Employee scheduling apps reduce errors by ensuring that shifts are assigned correctly and that there are no conflicts.

Increased Employee Satisfaction

Employee scheduling apps increase employee satisfaction by allowing them to view their schedules, request time off, and swap shifts. This gives employees more control over their schedules, which can lead to increased job satisfaction.

Key Features of Employee Scheduling Apps

Employee scheduling apps come with a variety of features, including:

Shift Assignments

The ability to assign shifts is a core feature of employee scheduling apps  and is of particular importance in certain sectors, for example, healthcare. Managers can assign shifts to employees based on their availability and skillset.

Time-Off Requests

Most employee scheduling apps allow employees to request time off directly through the app. Managers can then approve or deny the request.

Shift Swaps

Employee scheduling apps also allow employees to swap shifts with their coworkers. This feature saves managers time and reduces the risk of scheduling errors.

Real-Time Updates

Cloud-based employee scheduling apps provide real-time updates, so everyone has access to the most up-to-date information. This feature ensures that everyone is on the same page and reduces confusion.

Reporting

Employee scheduling apps often come with reporting features that allow managers to track employee hours and monitor overtime. This feature is especially useful for businesses with hourly employees.

Choosing the Right Employee Scheduling App

There are many employee scheduling apps on the market, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your business. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an employee scheduling app:

Ease of Use

Easy-to-use interface and intuitive interface are essential for an app.

Customization

The app should allow you to customize schedules and settings to fit your business’s unique needs.

Integration

The app should integrate with other tools and software your business uses, such as payroll and time-tracking software.

Cost

Employee scheduling apps vary in price, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your budget.

Conclusion

Employee scheduling apps are a game-changer for businesses that want to streamline their scheduling process. These apps save time, reduce errors, and increase employee satisfaction. When choosing an employee scheduling app, consider factors such as ease of use, customization, integration, and cost.

FAQs

Do employee scheduling apps integrate with payroll and time-tracking software?

Yes, many employee scheduling apps integrate with payroll and time tracking software. This integration ensures that hours worked are accurately tracked and recorded, making it easy to manage payroll.

Can employee scheduling apps be used for businesses with both hourly and salaried employees?

Yes, most employee scheduling apps can be used for businesses with both hourly and salaried employees. These apps often have features that allow managers to track employee hours and monitor overtime.

Can employees access their schedules from their mobile devices?

Yes, most employee scheduling apps have mobile apps that allow employees to view their schedules, request time off, and swap shifts from their mobile devices.

Do employee scheduling apps offer customer support?

Yes, most employee scheduling apps offer customer support through email, phone, or live chat. Some apps also have extensive online knowledge bases and video tutorials.

Are employee scheduling apps secure?

Yes, employee scheduling apps use encryption to ensure that data is secure. These apps also typically have role-based permissions, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.

James Ewen

James is the head of marketing at Tamoco

The cybersecurity trends in 2022 have proven that we may have to deal with more cyberattacks in 2023. The cybersecurity industry trends in 2022 were filled with many ransomware trends and attacks. Many organizations had to deal with various cyberattack trends, leading to the loss of money and sensitive information.

Moreover, the attackers were up for different surprises in malware trends, and there were no signs that this would stop soon. 2023 is here, and the ransomware trends of 2023 are likely to be much bigger than the ransomware trends of 2022. These are the top 10 cybersecurity industry trends for 2023.

Increase in Ransomware

Ransomware was one of the most popular cybersecurity trends in 2022. According to the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, there was an 87% increase in ransomware in 2022, which is expected to continue in 2023.

Cybercriminals like REvil, DarkSide, and BlackMatter seem to invest a lot in improving their methods to take companies by surprise, regardless of their level of cybersecurity. For instance, Kela, a security firm, noted that cybercriminals use analytics to get the right victim in the US. Also, they’re interested in companies with at least $100 million in revenue to help them get a better ransom.

So, this cyberattack trend will only get bigger in 2023, and many organizations will be using the best ransomware protection available.

Security-as-a-Service

The continuous malware trends and current trends in cybersecurity have made many organizations understand why they need more security. Rather than depending on their security tools, companies are choosing security-as-a-service solutions. Such solutions are often offered by Managed Services Providers or Managed Security Services providers.

The MSP or MSSP usually includes a team of professionals and experts with modern product and process knowledge.

Since cyber security hackers are becoming more sophisticated by the day, MSP or MSSP will help ensure that consent phishing and other phishing attempts are prevented from entering our inboxes.

Furthermore, MSPs or MSSPs also provide comprehensive data protection services to businesses. One of the key services in this domain is backup and recovery. Regular backups are essential for any business to minimize data loss and ensure business continuity in case of any disaster. However, managing backups can be a time-consuming task, especially for businesses with limited IT resources.

With NAKIVO backup for MSP, MSPs can easily set up and manage backups for all their clients’ systems, including virtual, physical, and cloud environments. The solution supports a wide range of platforms, including VMware, Hyper-V, AWS, Azure, and more.

Zero Trust

Before now, cybersecurity processes involved a porous approach that allowed anybody with the correct credentials to access a system. It is one of the major reasons responsible for the increase in ransomware. It takes clicking on only one attachment or link to compromise a company’s security systems.

The Zero Trust model ensures that only individuals who are authorized can have access to a network. It also ensures everyone passes security protocols like user identity verification and authenticator apps. With this, codes will be sent to the smartphones of those authorized, and any unauthorized logins can be easily detected.

Zero trust was introduced in 2021 as a solution in cloud security to prevent consent phishing attacks and other malicious cyber attacks. It requires verifications at different steps and grants access to recognized devices. Zero trust is likely to be one of the common cyber threat trends in 2023.

Cybersecurity hygiene

Cybersecurity hygiene includes regular practices and habits in the use of technology, such as implementing safety measures and avoiding unprotected networks.

Cybersecurity hygiene helps minimize vulnerabilities by discovering risks and creating different strategies and mechanisms for reducing or resolving them. With cyber hygiene, organizations can improve their security and effectively defend themselves against disastrous breaches.

Growth in 5G Network Breaches and Connected Devices (IoT)

The growing acceptance of 5G technology, which needs a complex infrastructure overhaul, and the acceptance of software-based services and their connection to the IoT create the right attack surface for cyber hackers. Internet of things solutions and service providers should use zero-trust security to be ready for any security breach.

Third-Party Risk

Third-party exposure is the likely threat an organization’s customer and employee data are exposed to. It also includes the operations and financial information from an organization’s supply chain and other external parties that offer products and/or services and can access privileged systems.

A report on 2021 workforce trends found that more than 50 percent of businesses prefer hiring freelancers due to an increase in remote work due to COVID-19.

CyberArk, a security company, gives outsiders access to sensitive systems. It gives cyber hackers a way to access their information, which could be dangerous.

Insufficient Cyber Skills

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people, including IT professionals, were forced to work remotely, which increased their workloads. The increase in ransomware attacks and workloads has led to burnout.

For instance, Harvey Nash, a global recruitment firm in the UK, reports that the cyber skills shortage increased to over a third in 2021. It also discovered that cybersecurity is the most in-demand tech skill in the United Kingdom.

Social engineering

This term is used for various harmful activities accomplished via human interactions. It uses psychological tricks to get people to give up private information and open themselves to cybersecurity dangers. It also tricks unsuspecting users into spreading malware infections or giving access to controlled systems.

Increase in Digital Supply Chain Cybersecurity Risk

The connectivity of the supply chain is growing, and this has led to an increase in data privacy and cybersecurity risks. It is because increasing interconnectivity means an increased attack surface and more vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

The ENISA report recently analyzed twenty-four attacks. It was discovered that strict security protection is not just enough for companies since cybercriminals are now moving to suppliers.

Employee Cybersecurity Awareness Training

As the risks of cybersecurity continue to increase in the unpredictable digital landscape, the most effective way to educate employees is through cybersecurity training. This is one of the cybersecurity trends that will help them understand the risks to avoid and the necessary steps to take when they’re unsure in certain situations.

The IBM Cyber Security Intelligence Index reports that 95 percent of security attacks are the result of human error. So, employee cybersecurity awareness training is a great way to prevent such errors.

James Ewen

James is the head of marketing at Tamoco

Thailand is a destination appreciated by many foreigners. The contrast of cultures and behaviors amazes and forces citizens of other countries to join the celebration of life and resort lifestyle. Here the ancient temples neighbor exotic shows, and daytime spiritual practices are replaced by grandiose night discos. Mild climate, endless beaches and low cost of living in Thailand attracts thousands of foreigners wishing to buy property in this paradise corner. Ownership of property by the sea in Thailand is a fairly safe and solid means of growing your fortune. 

Real estate for sale in Thailand 

Monitoring the real estate market of Thailand, you may notice that it offers housing objects for every taste and budget. You can choose a modest apartment somewhere on the outskirts or a spacious apartment of several rooms in the capital`s center. 

Besides, whether you intend to invest in a home of your own or to rent it out for tourists, you will not face any shortage in real estate of the luxury segment at reasonable prices. 

Those wishing to purchase a relatively inexpensive apartment or private home, choose Pattaya. For fans of luxury – a wide range of real estate on the fashionable resorts: Phuket and Samui. New buildings and secondary housing in Bangkok also attract buyers, but mostly in the Thai capital investors are more interested in commercial real estate.

The most reliable method of real estate purchase 

The government of Thailand used to approve several ways of acquiring ownership of real estate by foreigners. The establishment of a Thai company was the most popular and the easiest one. However, most investors have understood the risks of such a deal and abandoned it. Today there remain two legitimate ways to buy real estate – the purchase of shares in the condominium or a long-term lease, the maximum recorded period of which is 30 years. But many foreigners are not willing to invest in condominium projects, especially in areas such as Phuket, Samui, Pattaya or Koh Chang, where preference is given to the resort-style properties, particularly villas.

For this reason, leasehold appears to be the safest method of obtaining real estate in Thailand. To get the profitable investment in the foreign real estate market, it is advisable to evaluate the profits and estimate the risks. 

Profits of buying real estate in Thailand 

When it comes to buying real estate in Thailand, there is an ocean of opportunities and a whole pack of benefits. Foreign investors are looking for a way to provide a reliable cushion for seasonal or unexpected fluctuations in revenue and they find it in Thailand. 

• High return on investment. 

Real estate in Thailand is a rational choice if you want to have solid investment options. There is no decrease in prices on Thai property is foreseen in the near future. The resort location of the country welcomes tourists or so to say potential tenants all year round. This is why real estate in Thailand has a huge demand among both local and foreign investors. 

• The constant development of the country. 

Thailand is characterized by a well-developed transportation system that connects major commercial, residential and industrial centers. Besides, the government works on reducing the number of traffic jams on the main roads and decides on more advanced means of transport. 

The kingdom is also known for high quality medical services, fast internet connection, good business opportunities, and multiple variants of comfortable accommodations. 

• Relatively low cost of living.

The cost of living in Thailand may be called relatively low as here you need less money than in other resort destinations. Besides, the level of life and the prices differ depending on the region, so a resident with any income can find the suitable option. Of course, over the past few years, the cost of living in Thailand has increased, but the prices of many services, seafood, vegetables, fruits and rent are relatively democratic. A studio or one-bedroom apartment in Thailand can be rented for an average of $200-400 (per month), depending on the region. 

Risks when buying real estate in Thailand

Any purchase of real estate is followed by certain risks. Therefore, it is advisable not to be blinded by appealing advantages, but be ready to face the responsibility. 

• Legal risks. 

There are myths that in Thailand there is no private property as all land belongs to the King. However, this information is wrong. The amount of foreign capital in the country perfectly shows that most of the land belongs to companies and individuals. 

• Risks in the process of construction. 

If you invest in real estate under construction, it is important to be aware of some possible issues, like delay of the delivery or absence of the EIA. To avoid purchasing a property without the Environmental Impact Assessment or EIA, check the documentation provided by the developer and ask a professional for help. The delay of construction finishing is rather an exception, and in this case a developer has to pay fines to the buyers. 

• Risks of obtaining less income than expected. 

The marketing risks appear when some estimation mistakes have taken place on the stage of creating the project. It means that the delivered real estate will not bring as much profit as it intended. However, with the responsible approach to selection and sufficient consideration, these risks are easily avoided. 

The final word 

All the risks can be eliminated and all the profits can be increased if you select property with the help of the correct resource. The major aggregator Thailand-Real.Estate cooperates with the trusted Thai developers to offer the reliable housing units. An ocean of accommodation variant to any taste and money are available on the website. 

On the whole, due to the uncertain economic situation in the world, the purchase of real estate abroad may be the furthest thing foreign investors think about. But what if this option is the best way to establish balance and even force growth of your capital nowadays? The statement definitely needs to be carefully thought out.

James Ewen

James is the head of marketing at Tamoco

The real estate business is one of the most trusted segments of investment worldwide, as there are zero losses when you invest in real estate. However, in some cases, you might also witness property prices rise as many people invest their money to maximize returns.

Many countries offer citizenship to people who wish to invest in real estate and buy land. This helps the host country to inject money into the economy in return for providing citizenship.

There are many examples of countries giving citizenship, such as the St Lucian citizenship by investment program. Investing in real estate is the process through which the majority of foreigners who complete Saint Lucia’s citizenship application and due diligence process will immediately acquire dual citizenship.

Copyright: Image by Freepik  I License: CC0 Public Domain

Follow the tips below to learn how to invest in real estate and get a second citizenship.

1. Quickest Way to Get Second Citizenship 

Investing in real estate is a shortcut for a new beginning in life, as it is the quickest way to get a second citizenship. On the other hand, if you move to a new place and use other means to get the visa, it might take years to conclude your application with no guarantee of a positive response.

Furthermore, no matter where you invest your money, real estate investment will make profits for you. In some cases, you might think that it is a time-consuming process, but usually, within five years, you can get a lot more profit than with a bank’s savings account. Due to the rise in population, there is an ever-increasing demand for properties, which is why the construction business is also booming.

Therefore, if you plan to invest your money, you should go for real estate.

2. Follow the Rules Of the Specific Country

It is essential to understand that you must follow the rules and regulations of investment when you want to obtain citizenship. For instance, if you invest your money in St Lucia, there is a minimum threshold of investment that means you must invest a minimum of 190,000$ to be eligible for permanent residency. In addition, your application may take 3-6 months.

After the process, you are free to use all the facilities like any other St Lucian citizen.

3. Clear Criminal Record

Copyright: Image by Freepik  I License: CC0 Public Domain

To apply for second citizenship, you must have a clean criminal record, and some countries might also require a character certificate from your current country of residence. It is important to be clear about your criminal past to reduce the risk of problems further down the line.

In some instances, this might be nothing more than minor grievances against you, as ups and downs are part of life. After a while, you can get a clean sheet from authorities.

4. Legal Source Of Income

Even if you are looking to open a bank account, you must provide a source of income for your funds. Similarly,  while investing in real estate, you must provide legal documents about your business and the funds you generate. The reason for doing this is to determine that the funds are not from any illegal activity and that it is safe to allow you to invest.

Moreover, this also helps the host authorities understand your sustainability and work.

5. Invest Money in Government (Approved Option)

You should remember that the main goal is to get a second citizenship. Therefore, you must take the process seriously; otherwise, all your efforts might go to waste, and you could lose your money.

To avoid such situations, you must invest in those real estate options the government provides you. There will be no risk, and everything will be done under the supervision of higher authorities. Moreover, the time it takes to get the visa might be minimized.

Another advantage of investing in such options is that there will be no chance of losing your money by investing in disputed options, and you will get a head start with your real estate business.

6. Tax Planning

For tax planning, dual citizenship could be helpful. You can save much of your money from taxation and invest it elsewhere. For instance, some nations only tax income produced within their borders and do not tax capital gains. As a result, investors can manage their capital more skillfully and successfully.

Obtaining Second Citizenship Can Increase Your Returns

In conclusion, citizenship by investment or simply buying a passport is becoming increasingly popular among citizens today. While it may be expensive, there are significant rewards associated with obtaining a second residency or even full citizenship in a different country. This includes access to better educational and health opportunities, global tax advantages, and job prospects. 

When you want second citizenship, you must be organized and take the time to look for suitable options with the suggestions mentioned above in mind. 

James Ewen

James is the head of marketing at Tamoco

Geolocation tracking has become a ubiquitous feature in modern applications and services. 

It allows companies to gather customers’ location-based data to improve user experience and offer more personalized services. 

However, with the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union (EU), companies that collect, process, use, or share geolocation data must ensure they comply with the strict data protection standards set by the regulation. 

So, if your company collects customers’ geolocation data to provide location-based services (i.e. weather, delivery, navigation, etc.) or build their behavioral profiles, modeling, and predictive analysis, it is essential to comply with GDPR.

In this article, we will explore what GDPR compliance exactly is, and how to meet its regulations for geolocation tracking.

What is GDPR Compliance?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data privacy regulation that was implemented in the European Union (EU) in May 2018. 

For the uninitiated, the regulation aims to protect the privacy rights of EU citizens & residents by setting strict standards for the collection, processing, and storage of personal data.

Companies that collect the personal data of their EU customers must follow the requirements set out in the GDPR. 

These requirements include:

• Obtaining explicit consent from individuals to collect and use their data
• Providing transparent information about the purpose and use of the data
• Implementing appropriate measures to safeguard the data

Neglecting to comply with GDPR can result in hefty fines and reputational damage.

Currently, the GDPR fines are categorized into two tiers. 

Less serious breaches or violations can result in €10 million or 2% of the company’s annual revenue in fines, depending on which amount is higher.

Severe data breaches or violations can cost fines up to €20 million or 4% of the company’s annual revenue, whichever is higher.

How Does GDPR Affect Geolocation Tracking?

The GDPR has a significant impact on geolocation tracking as it classifies geolocation data as personal data. 

For the uninitiated, geolocation tracking refers to the collection and processing of location data from an individual’s device or other sources, such as GPS or Wi-Fi signals.

Companies then make sense of the collected geolocation data through data science and gain meaningful insights to make better decisions in real-time.

However, any company that now collects such geolocation data is subject to the GDPR’s strict data protection standards. 

So, if your company currently collects or processes the geolocation data of your EU customers, you must ensure that they are in compliance with the GDPR’s requirements.

How to Comply with GDPR for Geolocation Tracking?

Here are some steps companies can take to meet GDPR compliance for geolocation tracking.

1 – Evaluate What Your Company Already Does to Protect Geolocation Data

The first step in meeting GDPR compliance for geolocation tracking is to assess the current state of your company’s data protection practices. 

To do so, start by reviewing the procedures and systems in place for collecting, processing, and storing geolocation data. 

After that, determine if you have appropriate technical and organizational measures in place to protect the data, such as data encryption and access controls. 

Finally, identify any gaps in your current processes that need to be addressed to meet GDPR compliance.

2 – Create a Workflow to Obtain Explicit Consent Before Collecting Geolocation Data

Obtaining explicit consent is a crucial requirement of GDPR compliance for geolocation tracking. 

Companies must obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting and using their geolocation data. 

Furthermore, the consent must be specific, informed, and customers must have the right to withdraw their consent at any time.

To ensure that consent is obtained in a compliant manner, create a workflow that obtains consent before collecting the data. 

3 – Add Provisions to Your Company’s Privacy Policy for Geolocation Tracking Data

Another requirement of GDPR compliance for geolocation tracking is transparency. 

Companies must provide clear and concise information about the purpose and use of geolocation data. 

To meet this requirement, you need to update your company’s privacy policy to include provisions related to geolocation tracking data. 

Furthermore, the policy must also inform individuals of the type of data collected, how it will be used, who will have access to it, and how long it will be retained.

4 – Educate Your Employees on How to Manage Collected Geolocation Data Properly

In addition to adding required GDPR related provisions, you must also educate your employees the appropriate ways to manage collected geolocation data and implications of not doing so.

Ideally, your employees should be able to comprehend what your company uses geolocation data for, and the potential risks to your customers involved. 

This means training your employees on how to obtain explicit consent, how to process and store the data securely, and how to respond to requests from individuals to exercise their data protection rights. 

Remember, this is an extremely important step towards complying with GDPR. After all, your employees are ultimately responsible for managing geolocation data that your company collects. 

So, organize regular training and refresher courses for your employees (and rest of the staff) to ensure that they are up-to-date on GDPR compliance requirements for geolocation tracking.

5 – Ensure Third Parties Your Company Shares Geolocation Data With are Also GDPR Compliant

If your company happens to share customers’ geolocation data with third parties, such as analytics providers or advertising partners, it’s crucial to ensure that those parties are also GDPR compliant. 

Before sharing geolocation data with any third party, make sure that your third-party providers also obtain explicit consent from your customers before processing their personal data and are completely transparent about it. 

Alternatively, you can also consider making this entire process automated by investing in a robust CAASM solution.

What is CAASM? — It’s a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that helps to take inventory of all cyber assets in your network, monitor attack surface, identify & remediate potential threats, and ensure compliance of your third-party vendors with relevant regulations (i.e. GDPR).

CAASM does this by making sure that your third-party vendors have implemented appropriate data protection measures in accordance with GDPR regulations. 

Additionally, CAASM also helps your company implement appropriate security controls and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that third-party vendors are complying with GDPR requirements. 

This usually includes regular security audits, assessments, contractual obligations for data protection, and ongoing monitoring of vendor activities.

Ending Note

The collection of geolocation data can provide organizations with access to highly personal information about individuals, making it a valuable commodity. 

However, such data collection practices can also raise concerns about privacy and potentially lead to noncompliance issues for businesses. 

That’s why meeting GDPR compliance for geolocation tracking is not just important but essential for any company that collects and uses location data. 

It not only ensures that the organization is in compliance with the law but also helps to build trust with customers by demonstrating a commitment to protecting their personal information.

By following these simple steps, not only you can easily achieve GDPR compliance but also demonstrate a commitment to ethical data practices that respect the privacy and dignity of their users.

James Ewen

James is the head of marketing at Tamoco