When you're considering an AI receptionist for your business, one question should be at the top of your list: "Is this GDPR compliant?"
It's not just about avoiding fines (though those can be substantial). It's about protecting your customers' data, maintaining their trust, and running your business legally and ethically.
Let's break down exactly what GDPR means for AI phone systems, what you need to know, and how Genni keeps your business compliant.
What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is UK and EU law that protects how personal data is collected, stored, and used. It covers any information that can identify a person:
- Names
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Addresses
- Call recordings
- Any other personal information
If your AI receptionist collects any of this data (and she will), GDPR applies.
Key GDPR Principles for AI Phone Systems
1. Lawful Basis for Processing
You need a legal reason to collect and store customer data. For business calls, this is typically:
- Legitimate Interest: You need the data to run your business (booking appointments, returning calls)
- Contract: The data is necessary to fulfill a service the customer requested
- Consent: The customer has explicitly agreed (less common for business calls)
What this means in practice: When Genni asks for a customer's name and phone number to arrange a callback or booking, that's legitimate interest. You need that information to provide the service they're requesting.
2. Data Minimization
Only collect what you actually need. Don't ask for information you won't use.
What Genni does: She only asks for information relevant to your service. A plumber needs name, address, phone, and problem details. A gym needs name, phone, and membership enquiry details. No unnecessary data collection.
What Genni Provides
To make GDPR compliance easy, Genni includes:
- Data Processing Agreement - Legal contract defining responsibilities
- Privacy policy template - Sample text for your website
- Data retention controls - Set how long to keep data
- Secure data access - Export your data anytime
- Right to erasure tools - Delete customer data on request
- UK/EU data storage - No international transfers
- Security documentation - Evidence of our security measures
Bottom Line
GDPR compliance for AI phone systems isn't complicated if you:
- Use a reputable, compliant provider (like Genni)
- Only collect data you need
- Keep it secure
- Be transparent with customers
- Respond to data requests promptly
The goal isn't to avoid using technology because of compliance concerns. The goal is to use technology RESPONSIBLY, protecting your customers while growing your business.
Genni is designed from the ground up with GDPR compliance built-in, so you can focus on running your business while we handle the data protection details.
Need More Information?
We provide detailed GDPR documentation and support during setup. Have specific compliance questions for your industry?
Get in touch: hello@askgenni.com
Or call our demo line to discuss how Genni keeps your business compliant: +44 1234 567890