GDPR
EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy
ISO 37001
International standard for anti-bribery management systems
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates data privacy protection for EU residents worldwide with hefty fines, while ISO 37001 offers voluntary anti-bribery certification. Companies adopt GDPR for legal compliance; ISO 37001 for risk mitigation and market trust.
GDPR
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 - General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope applies to non-EU entities targeting EU residents
- Accountability principle requires demonstrable compliance proof
- Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover
- Enhanced data subject rights including right to erasure
- Mandatory 72-hour personal data breach notification
ISO 37001
ISO 37001:2025 Anti-bribery management systems
Key Features
- Risk-based bribery risk assessments and controls
- Third-party due diligence and monitoring
- Leadership commitment and anti-bribery policy
- Ongoing internal audits and management reviews
- Certifiable PDCA management system framework
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a directly applicable EU regulation protecting natural persons' data privacy. It has global extraterritorial scope for any processing targeting EU residents. Adopts principles-based, accountability-driven, risk-based approach.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection.
- Obligations: DPO appointment, DPIAs, records of processing, 72-hour breach notifications.
- Enforcement via DPAs, one-stop-shop, fines to €20M/4% turnover. No formal certification; compliance demonstrated ongoing.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EU data processing to avoid severe penalties. Mitigates risks from breaches, builds stakeholder trust. Enables secure Digital Single Market participation, competitive edge as global gold standard. Influences worldwide privacy laws.
Implementation Overview
Conduct gap analysis, redesign processes, train staff, appoint DPO. Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data, all sizes/industries. Ongoing audits, no central certification; national DPA oversight.
ISO 37001 Details
What It Is
ISO 37001 is the international certifiable standard for Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS). It provides requirements and guidance to prevent, detect, and respond to bribery risks. Applicable to all organization sizes and sectors, it employs a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with the ISO Harmonized Structure.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, and improvement.
- Core controls: anti-bribery policy, risk assessments, due diligence, financial/non-financial controls, training, reporting, audits.
- Built on proportionality and evidence-based assurance; optional third-party certification with 3-year cycles.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates legal risks (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act) via demonstrable due diligence.
- Enhances reputation, stakeholder trust, and ESG alignment.
- Delivers operational efficiencies (up to 15% compliance cost reduction) and competitive advantages in tenders.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, control design, training, audits.
- Scalable for SMEs to multinationals; global applicability with certification audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | ISO 37001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection and privacy | Anti-bribery management systems |
| Industry | All sectors, EU data subjects globally | All sectors worldwide, any organization |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with fines | Voluntary certifiable management standard |
| Testing | DPIAs, audits by supervisory authorities | Internal audits, third-party certification |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Loss of certification, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and ISO 37001
GDPR FAQ
ISO 37001 FAQ
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