K-PIPA
South Korea's comprehensive personal data protection regulation
UAE PDPL
UAE federal regulation for personal data protection
Quick Verdict
K-PIPA demands granular consent and CPOs for Korean data handlers, while UAE PDPL mandates DPIAs and RoPAs for onshore processors. Companies adopt K-PIPA for Korean market access, PDPL for UAE compliance amid GDPR-like rights.
K-PIPA
Personal Information Protection Act
Key Features
- Mandatory independent Chief Privacy Officers for all handlers
- Granular explicit consent for sensitive data transfers
- 72-hour breach notifications to affected data subjects
- Extraterritorial reach targeting foreign Korean-user services
- Revenue-based fines up to 3% annual turnover
UAE PDPL
Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021 Personal Data Protection
Key Features
- Risk-based DPO and DPIA requirements for high-risk processing
- Extraterritorial scope for foreign processors of UAE data
- Mandatory Records of Processing Activities for all
- Comprehensive GDPR-like data subject rights
- Breach notification to UAE Data Office
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
K-PIPA Details
What It Is
K-PIPA (Personal Information Protection Act) is South Korea's flagship data protection regulation, enacted in 2011 and amended in 2020, 2023, 2024. It regulates personal data handling by all entities processing Korean residents' information, with extraterritorial scope. Adopts a consent-centric, risk-based approach emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Key Components
- Mandatory Chief Privacy Officers (CPOs) with independence and qualifications for large entities
- Granular explicit consent for collection, sensitive data, marketing, transfers
- Data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection) within 10 days
- Security safeguards (encryption, access controls) and 72-hour breach notifications
- PIPC enforcement with fines to 3% revenue, criminal penalties Built on purpose limitation, minimization, pseudonymization principles.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for data handlers to avoid fines (e.g., Google $50M), orders, imprisonment. Builds trust, enables EU adequacy flows, reduces breach risks, supports AI/innovation via certifications like ISMS-P.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, data mapping, CPO appointment, policies, technical controls, training, audits. Applies universally across sizes/industries; no certification but PIPC guidelines/oversight. Typically 12-18 months.
UAE PDPL Details
What It Is
UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), or Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021, is a comprehensive federal regulation for onshore UAE. It governs personal data processing with a risk-based approach, aligning to GDPR-like standards for privacy, confidentiality, and digital trust.
Key Components
- Principles: lawfulness, transparency, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, storage limitation
- Obligations: lawful bases (consent primary), Records of Processing Activities (RoPA), DPO for high-risk, DPIAs, breach notification
- Rights: access, portability, rectification, erasure, objection, automated decisions safeguards
- Accountability model with UAE Data Office oversight
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for onshore controllers/processors and extraterritorial entities targeting UAE residents
- Mitigates fines, breach risks; builds stakeholder trust
- Enables secure data flows, competitive edge in digital economy
Implementation Overview
- Phased: discovery/mapping, remediation, operationalization, monitoring
- Applies broadly (exemptions: government, free zones, sectors); no certification but records/audits required (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | K-PIPA | UAE PDPL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal info of Korean residents, consent-centric | Personal data of UAE residents, GDPR-aligned principles |
| Industry | All sectors in South Korea, extraterritorial for targeting | Onshore private sector UAE, excludes free zones/health/banking |
| Nature | Mandatory national law, PIPC enforcement | Mandatory federal law, UAE Data Office oversight |
| Testing | CPO audits, no mandatory private DPIAs | Mandatory DPIAs for high-risk processing |
| Penalties | 3% revenue fines, criminal up to 5 years | Administrative fines, details in pending regulations |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about K-PIPA and UAE PDPL
K-PIPA FAQ
UAE PDPL FAQ
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