GDPR
EU regulation protecting personal data privacy rights
ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates EU-wide personal data protection with strict fines, while ISO 27701 offers voluntary PIMS certification for privacy governance. Companies adopt GDPR for legal compliance, ISO 27701 for auditable evidence and global best practices.
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Key Features
- Applies extraterritorially to non-EU entities targeting EU subjects
- Imposes fines up to 4% of global annual turnover
- Mandates accountability requiring demonstrated compliance via DPIAs
- Enhances data subject rights including erasure and portability
- Enforces 72-hour personal data breach notifications
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy information management
Key Features
- Establishes Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
- Role-specific controls for controllers and processors
- Extends ISO 27001 with privacy risk assessments
- Annex mappings to GDPR and other regulations
- Audit-ready evidence for 3-year certification cycle
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a binding EU regulation directly applicable since May 25, 2018. It protects personal data of EU individuals, applying extraterritorially to any global entity processing such data. GDPR uses a risk-based accountability approach, replacing the fragmented 1995 Directive.
Key Components
- **Seven core principleslawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- **Data subject rightsaccess, rectification, erasure ("right to be forgotten"), portability, objection.
- Obligations include DPIAs, DPO appointment, 72-hour breach notifications, Records of Processing Activities.
- One-stop-shop enforcement; fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance avoids severe penalties and legal risks.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enhances reputation as privacy leader.
- Manages data risks amid global operations; sets benchmark influencing laws like LGPD, CCPA.
Implementation Overview
- Map processes, appoint DPO, conduct DPIAs, train staff, update contracts.
- Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data.
- No formal certification; requires ongoing audits, demonstrations of compliance.
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard for establishing, implementing, and improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends ISO/IEC 27001's ISMS to address privacy risks in processing personally identifiable information (PII) for controllers and processors. The standard uses a risk-based PDCA cycle for governance and control implementation.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: Management system extensions for context, leadership, planning, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- **Annex A37 controls for PII controllers (e.g., lawful basis, DSARs, retention).
- **Annex B24 controls for PII processors (e.g., contracts, sub-processors).
- Mappings to GDPR (Annex D), ISO 27002; certification via accredited audits, 3-year cycle with surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns with GDPR/POPIA/LGPD for compliance evidence.
- Manages privacy risks, reduces fines/breaches.
- Builds trust in supply chains/procurement.
- Enables competitive differentiation via certification.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls, audits. Suits all PII-processing orgs; 6–12 months typical with ISMS. Requires leadership, RoPA, training, internal audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection, rights, processing principles | Privacy management system, PII controls for controllers/processors |
| Industry | All sectors processing EU data, global reach | Any PII-handling organizations worldwide, all sizes |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation, legally enforceable | Voluntary ISO standard, certifiable management system |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk, DPA oversight, no certification | Internal audits, certification audits, surveillance every year |
| Penalties | Fines up to 4% global turnover or €20M | No fines, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and ISO 27701
GDPR FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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