GDPR + CCPA: When US Startups Become Subject to Data Privacy Laws
Written by Aparna Devalla
Curated by Rubric Financial
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When GDPR Applies to a US Startup
- GDPR applies if you process personal data of EU/EEA residents, regardless of where YOUR company is based.
- Triggers: signing your first EU enterprise customer, having any EU end users on your platform, even running marketing campaigns targeting EU residents.
- Penalties are existential: up to €20M or 4% of annual global revenue, whichever is higher. Even smaller fines (€10K-100K) for procedural violations are common.
- If you have ANY EU footprint, you need a GDPR compliance program. The good news: most of it is good privacy hygiene that helps with other regulations too.
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About the author
Aparna DevallaCPAHead of Tax & Accounting
CPA and Head of Tax & Accounting at StartupCFO. Specializes in multi-state tax compliance, R&D credits, and GAAP-compliant books for venture-backed startups.
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