What It Is

UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the UK's post-Brexit adaptation of EU GDPR, a binding regulation enforced by the ICO. It governs personal data processing with a risk-based, accountability-focused approach, applying to UK-established and extra-territorial entities targeting UK individuals.

Key Components

• Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, security, accountability.
• Individual rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
• Controller/processor obligations, DPIAs, breach notification, lawful bases.
• No certification; compliance via demonstrable governance and ICO enforcement.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for data handlers; avoids fines up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover. Enhances trust, reduces breach risks, supports cross-border operations. Builds reputation and efficiency through data governance.

Implementation Overview

Phased: data mapping (RoPA), policies, training, DPIAs, vendor contracts, rights handling. Applies to all sizes handling UK personal data; ICO audits enforce via fines, notices.

What It Is

ISO/IEC 27018:2025 is the international code of practice for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) processed by public cloud service providers acting as PII processors. It augments ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 with privacy-specific controls and guidance, employing a risk-based approach tailored to cloud challenges like multi-tenancy and cross-border data flows.

Key Components

Core elements include transparency/accountability, contractual obligations, data subject rights support, breach management, data minimization/deletion, and enhanced security for PII. It adds ~25–30 privacy controls mapped to ISO 27001 Annex A themes (organizational, people, physical, technological). Built on principles such as consent, purpose limitation, accuracy, and accountability, it integrates into ISO 27001 certification without standalone status.

Why Organizations Use It

CSPs adopt it for trust-building, procurement acceleration via Statements of Applicability, GDPR/HIPAA alignment, risk reduction, and competitive edge. It signals privacy stewardship, aids cyber insurance, and clarifies processor responsibilities.

Implementation Overview

Start with gap analysis on existing ISMS, integrate controls into documentation/contracts, train staff, and undergo audits. Suited for CSPs of all sizes globally; certification via accredited bodies as ISO 27001 extension with annual surveillance.