What is double opt-in and why is it important?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a set of rules that European Union member states must implement to protect the privacy of digital data. One of the most important requirements that arise from the practical implementation of the requirements contained in the GDPR is the requirement for companies to use the double opt-in process when collecting personal data from individuals. In this blog post, we explain what this double opt-in consent is and how it works.

What is the double opt-in process? 

The double opt-in process is a two-step process for collecting personal data from individuals. In the first step, companies must obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting their personal data. In the second step, companies send a confirmation email asking for confirmation of consent. Only after receiving the confirmation can companies collect an individual's personal data.

How does the double opt-in process work?

1. Note on the collection of personal data: In the first step of the double opt-in process, companies must provide a clear and visible notice that they will be collecting personal data from individuals. This notice must explain the types of personal data that will be collected and the purpose for which data will be used. Companies must also provide a way for individuals to withdraw consent. This notice and consent must be displayed in a format that is easy for the individual to understand and must be presented in a way that allows the individual to give his or her consent without taking additional steps.
2. Sending a confirmation email: After obtaining an individual's express consent, companies will send a confirmation email asking for confirmation of consent. This email must contain a link that the individual can click on to confirm consent. Once a person clicks on this link, their personal data may be further processed by the company. If a person does not click on the link in the confirmation email, their personal data may not be further processed by the company.

Why is the double opt-in process so important?

The Double Opt-In is essential to confirm both the identity and the consent that the person has given. In the first line, the person can confirm once again that he understands the processing of the data for which he has signed up (confirmation of consent). It can be said that the DOI also has the task of confirming the identity of a person, so that it does not happen, for example, that someone uses an email address to subscribe a person to a newsletter. In this last case, you would receive a confirmation email and not click on it because you didn't ask for it, so you wouldn't be added to the mailing list. Without the DOI, you could be mistakenly added to the distribution list because your identity was not confirmed.

What can you conclude from this?

When it comes to protecting personal data, the double opt-in process is an essential part of secure consent protocols. In today's digital age, personal data is more valuable than ever, and individuals have the right to determine who can access their data and how it can be used. The double opt-in process ensures that companies not only obtain individuals' explicit consent before collecting their personal data but also confirm that consent through a separate confirmation email. This extra step helps protect individuals from unauthorized data collection and increases transparency for both parties. While it may seem like an extra step for companies, the long-term benefits of increasing consumer confidence and privacy far outweigh the initial inconvenience.

Implementing a double opt-in process not only complies with privacy laws but also shows customers that the company values their protection and has their best interests in mind. As data breaches become more common, the double opt-in process is an important measure to ensure the secure handling of personal data.

Finally, using a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) minimizes the risk of a company accidentally sending emails to the wrong email address. This can happen when someone makes a typo when entering their email address for a newsletter or other communication. Using a DOI as a unique identifier for digital objects, such as email addresses, can prevent typing errors. This helps organizations ensure that their communications are effective and targeted, and prevents unsolicited or misdirected emails that can potentially lead to confusion or misunderstanding.