GDPR
EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy
FedRAMP
U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security authorization
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates global personal data protection with hefty fines, while FedRAMP authorizes secure cloud for US federal use via rigorous assessments. Companies adopt GDPR for EU compliance and FedRAMP to win government contracts.
GDPR
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope applies to non-EU entities targeting EU residents
- Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover for violations
- Accountability principle requires demonstrating compliance via DPIAs and records
- Enhanced data subject rights including erasure and portability
- Mandates 72-hour personal data breach notifications
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- "Assess once, use many times" reusability model
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 baselines by impact level
- Independent assessments by accredited 3PAOs
- Continuous monitoring with monthly deliverables
- FedRAMP Marketplace for authorized CSPs
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
Regulation (EU) 2016/679, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is a directly applicable EU regulation. It protects natural persons' rights regarding personal data processing and ensures free data movement in the EU. GDPR employs a principles-based, accountability-driven approach with extraterritorial scope.
Key Components
- **Seven core principleslawfulness, fairness/transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure (right to be forgotten), portability, objection.
- Obligations: appoint DPOs, conduct DPIAs, 72-hour breach notifications, records of processing.
- Compliance via demonstration, overseen by supervisory authorities; no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for processing EU data to avoid fines up to 4% global turnover.
- Mitigates risks, builds trust, establishes global gold standard privacy benchmark.
- Enhances reputation, enables innovation within compliance, influences worldwide laws.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, policy updates, training, DPO appointment, privacy-by-design integration.
- Applies globally to any organization handling EU personal data; ongoing audits by DPAs.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud services for federal agencies. It promotes "assess once, use many times" via risk-based FIPS 199 impact levels and NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls.
Key Components
- Baselines: Low (~156 controls), Moderate (~323), High (~410), LI-SaaS tailored
- Artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M, continuous monitoring plans
- Built on NIST standards; 3PAO audits and FedRAMP Marketplace
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables federal contracts ($20M+ potential)
- Mandatory for agencies' cloud procurement, CMMC alignment
- Reduces risk, boosts trust with FedRAMP badge
- Differentiates in government/commercial markets
Implementation Overview
- Phases: Sponsor, preparation, 3PAO assessment, monitoring
- Activities: Categorization, documentation, remediation, reporting
- For CSPs targeting U.S. federal; requires accredited audits (12-18 months typical)
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection worldwide | Cloud security for US federal agencies |
| Industry | All sectors, global, EU data subjects | Cloud providers, US federal government |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation, fines enforced | Standardized authorization program, mandatory for federal |
| Testing | DPIAs, no mandatory third-party audits | 3PAO assessments, annual reassessments |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Revocation of authorization, contract loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and FedRAMP
GDPR FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
5 Ways Modern Compliance Software Makes Evolving Regulations Your Strategic Advantage
Discover 5 ways modern compliance software turns evolving regulations into strategic advantage. Automate monitoring, cut 3x non-compliance costs, stay audit-rea
CIS Controls v8.1 for Cloud & SaaS: A Practical Safeguard Playbook for AWS/Azure/GCP and Microsoft 365
Turn CIS Controls v8.1 into a cloud-first playbook for AWS, Azure, GCP & Microsoft 365. Get actionable IaaS/PaaS/SaaS safeguards, automation patterns, evidence
The DORA 'Hot Seat' Blueprint: Preparing Leadership and the Management Body for Regulatory Interviews
Prepare your Board & Management Body for DORA audits. Master the human element: demonstrate active oversight & accountability in regulatory interviews. Get the
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ENERGY STAR vs Australian Privacy Act
ENERGY STAR vs Australian Privacy Act: Compare US efficiency benchmarks, certification & impacts to Aussie privacy rules, enforcement & compliance. Optimize strategy now!
FSSC 22000 vs NERC CIP
Compare FSSC 22000 food safety certification vs NERC CIP cybersecurity standards. Uncover key differences, compliance strategies & implementation for grid reliability & supply chain trust. (158)
FSSC 22000 vs LEED
Compare FSSC 22000 vs LEED: Food safety scheme meets green building standard. Discover key differences, requirements & benefits for compliance, audits & sustainability. Optimize now!