Law 25: Essential compliance guide for Quebec SMEs

 

Protect your business and customers in 4 Key Steps

 

Quebec's Law 25 on personal data protection introduces new obligations for SMEs. Here’s how to comply simply and effectively.

 

1. Appoint a data protection officer (Mandatory)

    ✔ Designate an internal or external DPO
    ✔ Clearly define their responsibilities
    ✔ Ensure they understand Law 25 requirements

 

2. Modernize your data management practices

    ✓ Collection: Obtain explicit, documented consent
    ✓ Use: Limit processing to declared purposes
    ✓ Retention: Define precise storage periods
    ✓ Destruction: Securely delete unnecessary data

 

3. Strengthen your cybersecurity

 

Implement:

 

  • Data encryption for sensitive information
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Regular backups
  • Access logging

 

4. Prepare your emergency plan

 

    ✔ Data breach reporting protocol (within 72 hours max)
    ✔ Pre-drafted communication templates
    ✔ List of emergency contacts (CAI, IT experts)

 

Critical penalties to know

Violation                                        Potential Fine

No appointed DPO                       Up to $50,000

Unreported data breach              Up to $25M or 4% of global revenue

Major security failure                  Fines + damages

 

Our All-Inclusive compliance package for SMEs

🔒 Law 25 Compliance Kit includes:

  • Full initial audit
  • Custom policy drafting
  • Staff training
  • Ongoing support

 

Real-world example: A bakery using a loyalty program must now:

  • Document customer consent
  • Secure its database
  • Train staff on data protection

💡 Did you know? Get Your Free Compliance Assessment and secure your business in under a week.