As a US tech leader, you are the ultimate steward of your customer’s data. Expanding your team into Latin America provides immense talent advantages, but it also raises a critical question: how do you ensure compliance with complex data privacy laws like GDPR and the CCPA? A breach is not just a technical failure but a catastrophic business and reputational risk. This article provides a clear framework for maintaining data compliance with a nearshore team. The core tension is between the need to scale globally and the non-negotiable requirement to protect user data. A trusted partner makes them compatible.
The foundation of compliance is contractual
Your first line of defense is ensuring your contractual agreements with nearshore engineers are airtight.
- Data processing agreements (DPAs). Every team member who may interact with user data must sign a DPA that outlines their responsibilities under regulations like GDPR.
- Confidentiality and NDAs. These agreements must explicitly cover the handling of personally identifiable information (PII) and be enforceable in the engineer’s local jurisdiction.
- Clear security policies. Your contracts should reference and require adherence to your company’s internal security policies for data handling, access, and storage.
Operational security is non-negotiable
Contracts are necessary but not sufficient. You must implement robust technical and operational controls.
- Principle of least privilege. Nearshore engineers should only have access to the data and systems absolutely necessary to perform their jobs.
- Mandatory security training. All team members, regardless of location, must complete regular training on data privacy best practices and your company’s specific policies.
- Secure device management. Implement and enforce policies for company-issued laptops, including full-disk encryption, strong passwords, and remote wipe capabilities.
- VPN and network security. All access to sensitive systems must be routed through a secure, company-controlled VPN.
The Employer of Record (EOR) advantage
Managing this complex web of legal and security requirements across multiple countries is a significant burden. This is where a partner like Howdy.com becomes a critical compliance asset.
- Localized, enforceable contracts. Howdy.com manages employment through locally compliant contracts that include robust data protection and confidentiality clauses, taking the legal guesswork off your plate.
- Professional vetting. Our vetting process screens for professionalism and integrity. We source engineers who understand the gravity of data security and have experience working in enterprise-grade environments.
- Centralized compliance. As the Employer of Record, we provide a centralized layer of governance, ensuring that every engineer you hire through our platform operates under a secure and compliant framework from day one.
Conclusion
Data compliance is a pillar of modern business, not an afterthought. With a nearshore team, the principles are the same: strong contracts, robust security operations, and a culture of responsibility. Howdy.com provides the compliant foundation you need to build your team in Latin America with confidence. We manage the local legal complexities so you can focus on building great products, secure in the knowledge that your data and your customers are protected.