Is HostGator GDPR Compliant? (Important Read)

Recently, everyone is talking about GDPR compliance. I will answer the question of whether HostGator is GDPR compliant or not? And most importantly, how HostGator handles your personal information.

Briefly, GDPR Data Privacy Protection is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union and the European Economic Area. It also addresses the export of personal data outside the EU and EEA areas.

On May 25, 2018, HostGator has announced full compliance with the recent GDPR law. They’ve definitely reviewed their agreements, privacy policies, and their internal processes. They made sure to comply with GDPR as for protecting their client’s personal information.

Here, I will dive in further more and talk about the importance of GDPR Law. GDPR law has intended to secure the internet and make it a better place for people as for protecting their personal information.

What is the GDPR?

GDPR basically stands for “General Data Protection Regulation. This has been introduced to the world on May 25, 2018. And has been approved and passed by the European Parliament.

Its main purpose is to protect personal information on the internet. And accordingly, making the internet a safer place. All in all, It gives the EU residents full access over their personal data and the related processing.

Personal Information & GDPR:

All the following are considered to be personal information; person’s name, identification number, location. And any other thing that is associated with the genetic, mental, economic, cultural, physiological, physical or social identity of that identifiable person.

GDPR has defined all the following as different procedures used to identify personal information: devices, applications, tools, protocols known as IP ( Internet Protocol) addresses, Radio Frequency Identification known as (RFID) tags and Cookie identifiers and similar web tracking technologies such as Google Analytics, etc.

How Does That Affect HostGator?

When you sign up for a web hosting package with HostGator, you’ll enter your personal information. And if you’re an EU resident, this makes HostGator more responsible for protecting your information. Furthermore, you should be given access to alter your personal information at any time you want.

HostGator made it easy for anybody to access your profile and edit/delete your personal information. For more information about this, you might need to ask HostGator Support gurus.

Hostgator makes it easy to get access to your personal data information. If you or your customer is curious you can ask Hostgator what personal data is used, why it is used and where the personal data information is used.

Let me summarize HostGator compliance & measures taken. With HostGator you can easily do the following from your Account Profile on their website:

  • You can correct, revise or remove any of your data.
  • You’ll get access to your personal data information.
  • HostGator deletes your information after canceling your account.
  • You can request for limited use of your personal data.
  • You can move your data to a third-party when you want to.

HostGator Marketing Materials & GDPR:

HostGator might also use your personal information in sending marketing materials. After the GDPR appliance, you can decide at any time that you no longer want to receive marketing materials.

Furthermore, you can tell HostGator not to use your data in any associated analytics on their marketing plans. You can definitely contact HostGator directly and ask for that.

Hostgator provides the necessary procedures so that they can comply with requests that you might have, and support you in completing any GDPR requests that come from your customers.

Domain WHOIS Information:

Unlike what used to happen earlier, HostGator will not any more publish your personal information in Domain WhoIs information tools. HostGator protects WHOIS information to be fully compliant with the GDPR law.

Access to personal data in regards to domain name registrants could be granted when access is necessary for technical reasons like transfers, or for law enforcement when it’s legally entitled to receive such access.

Running Business on HostGator Hosting?

Are you running an online business that requires collecting personal information? In this case, you’re defined as the controller of data information. You will be having information, email addresses, contact numbers, ..etc.

An example of such an online business; Online eCommerce Shop, Blog with an Email List, and so on. Here, you will have additional homework to do. You will need to adjust the way you process the data to comply with the GDPR.

I recommend reading more about the laws and understanding it very well. HostGator terms require you to process personal data lawfully and in a proper manner. There are tons of videos about that on Youtube where you can understand more how to work on your website to make it GDPR compliant.

Haven’t Yet Signed Up with HostGator?

Then, it’s time to do so. I’ve got a 60% off promo for you using our HostGator promo link. This is an exclusive discount for our blog readers.

Best DreamHost Alternatives

HostGator is offering a wide range of web hosting services. If you’re just getting started, I would recommend grabbing a shared hosting plan. Baby plan suits me very well and allows me to host unlimited domains.

Instead, you can follow my step-by-step guide on how to buy web hosting from HostGator. This guide will ensure you get the best package with the ultimate savings.

Conclusion:

That was it all about HostGator & GDPR Compliance. I’ve tried to make as informative as it should be. And yes, HostGator is fully compliant with GDPR policies and laws.

NB: This article has been written according to HostGator terms of service and GDPR laws. If you require more information, I would personally recommend asking HostGator staff directly. They will be the best to assist you here.

Please feel free to leave your comment below shall you require any assistance. I would love to help you further. Also, don’t forget to share this article with those who may find it useful.

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