Standards Comparison

    GDPR

    Mandatory
    2016

    EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy

    VS

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive framework for trusted information security assessments

    Quick Verdict

    GDPR mandates privacy protection for all handling EU data globally, with hefty fines. TISAX provides voluntary security assessments for automotive suppliers, enabling trusted data exchange. Companies adopt GDPR for legal compliance, TISAX for supply chain contracts.

    Data Privacy

    GDPR

    Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Extraterritorial scope applies to non-EU entities targeting EU residents
    • Accountability principle requires demonstrable compliance measures
    • Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover for violations
    • Mandatory 72-hour personal data breach notification
    • Enhanced data subject rights including right to erasure
    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Standardized assessments shared via ENX portal
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • Risk-based levels: AL1 self, AL2 remote, AL3 on-site
    • VDA ISA catalog with 70+ maturity-rated controls
    • Three-year labels reducing duplicate OEM audits

    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 GDPR, is a directly applicable EU regulation protecting natural persons' data. It harmonizes privacy laws across EU member states with global extraterritorial scope, applying to any entity processing EU residents' data. Employs a principles-based, accountability-driven approach with risk assessments like DPIAs.

    Key Components

    • Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
    • Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection.
    • Obligations: DPO appointment, breach notification (72 hours), records of processing.
    • Enforcement: fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover; no formal certification, but compliance demonstration required.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for EU data processors to avoid severe penalties, mitigate breach risks, build customer trust. Enhances reputation as privacy leader, influences global standards (Brussels Effect), supports Digital Single Market.

    Implementation Overview

    Gap analysis, policy updates, DPO/DPIA setup, training, vendor contracts. Applies universally to organizations handling EU data, regardless of size/location. Ongoing audits/monitoring; two-year transition originally, continuous for new adopters.

    TISAX Details

    What It Is

    TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry-specific assessment framework for information security in the automotive supply chain. Developed by the ENX Association based on the VDA ISA catalog, it verifies protection of sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information through standardized assessments at three levels: Basic (self), Significant (remote), and Very High (on-site).

    Key Components

    • 70+ controls across 7 groups: policy, organization, personnel, physical security, access, cryptography, operations.
    • Built on ISO 27001 with automotive extensions like prototype protection.
    • Maturity levels (0-3+), ENX portal for result exchange, 3-year label validity.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Contractual mandates from OEMs like BMW, Volkswagen.
    • Reduces duplicate audits, enables market access, mitigates risks (e.g., €4.5M breach costs).
    • Builds trust, boosts revenue in €2.5T chain, aligns with GDPR/UNECE.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9 months), audit/certification (2-4 months). Targets automotive suppliers/OEMs globally; scalable for SMEs to enterprises via self-assessments or full audits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    GDPR
    Personal data protection, privacy rights
    TISAX
    Information security, prototype protection

    Industry

    GDPR
    All sectors, global (EU data subjects)
    TISAX
    Automotive supply chain, mainly Europe

    Nature

    GDPR
    Mandatory EU regulation, legally binding
    TISAX
    Voluntary industry assessment, contractual

    Testing

    GDPR
    DPIAs, audits by DPAs, no certification
    TISAX
    AL1-AL3 audits by accredited providers

    Penalties

    GDPR
    Up to 4% global turnover fines
    TISAX
    Contract loss, no direct legal fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about GDPR and TISAX

    GDPR FAQ

    TISAX FAQ

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