GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection compliance
ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems.
Quick Verdict
GDPR UK mandates legal compliance for UK personal data processing with fines up to 4% turnover, while ISO 27701 offers voluntary PIMS certification for auditable privacy governance. Organizations adopt GDPR UK for legal necessity; ISO 27701 for assurance and market trust.
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
Key Features
- Fines up to 4% global annual turnover
- Seven enforceable data processing principles
- Extra-territorial scope for UK targeting
- Accountability requiring demonstrable compliance
- 72-hour ICO breach notification rule
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management Systems
Key Features
- Stand-alone PIMS extendable from ISO 27001 ISMS
- Role-specific controls for PII controllers and processors
- Privacy risk assessments including data subject impacts
- Annex mappings to GDPR and other privacy regulations
- Three-year certification with annual surveillance audits
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
UK GDPR is the UK's post-Brexit adaptation of EU Regulation 2016/679, a binding data protection 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, erasure, portability, objection).
- Controller/processor obligations, DPIAs, breach notifications, lawful bases.
- Compliance via documentation (RoPA), no formal certification but ICO enforcement with tiered fines up to 4% global turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for legal compliance; mitigates fines, reputational damage. Enhances trust, operational efficiency via data governance, enables secure innovation in AI/profiling.
Implementation Overview
Phased: data mapping, policies, training, DPIAs, vendor contracts. Applies universally to data handlers; ongoing audits/monitoring required, no certification but ICO readiness essential. (178 words)
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard specifying requirements for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends ISO 27001 with privacy controls for PII controllers and processors, using a risk-based, PDCA management system approach to manage privacy risks and demonstrate accountability.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10 for PIMS management (context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement).
- Annex A (controller controls: lawful basis, DSARs, retention); Annex B (processor controls: contracts, subprocessors).
- Mappings to GDPR (Annex D), ISO 27002, others.
- Certification via accredited bodies, 3-year cycle with surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns with GDPR, POPIA, LGPD for compliance evidence.
- Reduces privacy risks, enhances trust, aids procurement.
- Integrates with ISMS for efficiency; builds competitive differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scope, gap analysis, controls, audits.
- Applies to all PII-processing organizations; 6–18 months typical.
- Requires RoPA, DPIAs, training, vendor governance; optional certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR UK | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing principles, rights, obligations | Privacy management system for PII controllers/processors |
| Industry | All sectors processing UK personal data | Any organization handling PII globally |
| Nature | Mandatory UK regulation with ICO enforcement | Voluntary certification standard extending ISO 27001 |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk, ICO audits/investigations | Internal audits, certification body surveillance audits |
| Penalties | Fines up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR UK and ISO 27701
GDPR UK FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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