RGPD (what you need to know + how to choose a solution that complies with the regulations)
September 30, 2025
When you decide to launch a loyalty programwe think first of marketing campaigns and communication.
But there's one subject you can't miss: the RGPD.
Four letters we often hear, not always well understood, but which carry a lot of weight when it comes to managing customer data. This regulation defines how you can collect, store and use your customers' data.
Ignoring the rules can be costly, both financially and in terms of the trust your customers place in you.
In this article, we take a look back at the basics of the RGPD, the risks associated with non-compliance and, above all, the criteria to check when choosing the right loyalty solution for your restaurant.
What is the RGPD?
The RGPD, for General Data Protection Regulationis the European law that has governed the use of personal data since 2018. As soon as you collect a customer's email, phone number or purchase history, you're concerned.
The RGPD is based on a few simple rules:
➜ collect only the necessary data
➜ explain clearly what they are used for
➜ keep them for a limited time
➜ guarantee their safety
➜ allow the customer to access, correct or delete them
CNIL, France's compliance watchdog
In France, the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) ensures compliance with the RGPD. It publishes practical recommendations, monitors companies and can impose sanctions if the rules are not respected. It is therefore the key player in checking that your practices are compliant.
Loyalty program and RGPD: why you are concerned
A loyalty program always involves the collection of customer data. Whether it's a telephone number for receive an offer or a purchase history used to customize rewardsyou are responsible for processing them.
What are the risks in the event of non-compliance with the RGPD?
Ignoring the RGPD can be costly, both financially and in terms of your establishment's image. The CNIL is serious about this issue, and so are your customers.
Fines that can be heavy
The CNIL can impose heavy fines. The regulation provides for up to 20 million euros or 4% of annual saleswhichever is greater. For a restaurant, even a much lower penalty can jeopardize the business.
Direct impact on your brand image
A customer who receives a newsletter without consent, or who discovers that his or her data is being circulated without consent, will quickly lose confidence. In a sector where loyalty is based on human relationships, this loss can cost more than a fine.
CNIL forces compliance
In the event of an inspection, the CNIL can impose immediate corrections, sometimes public. This can lead to overwork for your teams, and expose shortcomings you'd rather have avoided.
How do you choose the right loyalty partner to stay RGPD compliant?
Choose a good loyalty programIt's not just a question of marketing features. Here are the essential technical criteria to check before committing yourself.
01. A service provider who understands your "data controller" obligations
Even if you delegate technical management, you remain responsible for the use of the data collected. Your partner must therefore be able to provide you with the tools you need to comply with them, and to support you in the event of an inspection.
02. Clear management of customer consent
Consent must be explicit and traceable. Check that the service provider offers reliable mechanisms: opt-in not pre-ticked, double confirmation for email, proof of consent stored and available if needed.
03. Collecting only useful data
Ask how the tool handles registration fields. A good partner won't push you to collect superfluous information. Last name, first name, contact details, purchase history and favorite products are all you need for a loyalty program. The smaller the collection, the lower the risk.
04. Security and data hosting in Europe
Data must be hosted in the European Union and protected by robust security measures (encryption, restricted access, backups, etc.). This is a non-negotiable criterion for reducing legal and technical risk.
05. Tools to respect customer rights
Your service provider needs to integrate features that enable customers to access, correct or delete their data easily. If a customer asks for their account to be deleted, the procedure must be quick and simple.
06. Transparency of privacy policy
Your service provider should help you to provide your customers with clear information: purpose of processing, retention period, data recipients, etc. A good privacy policy is a guarantee of seriousness and reinforces trust.
07. Compliance of your partner's subcontractors
Ask who your service provider works with and where data is stored. If the publisher relies on other players (hosts, third-party services), you need to be sure that these subcontractors also comply with the RGPD.
With the loyalty program with Obypay, compliance doesn't become an additional burden. You know that customer data are protected, that their rights are respected and that you can count on responsive support.
So you can manage compliance without stress, and keep your mind free for your restaurant.
"Obypay is a very interesting solution for retailers who operate in a network, and who are looking to use a solution that is simple, packaged and usable everywhere in the same way, without technical complexity."Olivia Marketing Director 3 Brasseurs
Choose a trusted partner to simplify your daily life
Choosing the right partner loyaltyThe key is to give yourself the freedom to concentrate on what you do best: managing your restaurant and your customers. Obypay takes care of compliance and supports you over the long term, so that loyalty remains a simple and secure growth lever.
Want to talk about it and see how to set up an effective, compliant loyalty program? Talk directly to our team.
And if you want to delve deeper into the subject before taking the plunge, we recommend :
➜ Building loyalty in the restaurant business: what really works in 2025
➜ Customer data and foodservice: 5 reasons to make it your growth driver in 2025
