K-PIPA
South Korea regulation for personal data protection
WCAG
International standard for web content accessibility.
Quick Verdict
K-PIPA enforces stringent data privacy for Korean residents via consent and CPOs, while WCAG provides testable guidelines for accessible web content. Companies adopt K-PIPA for legal compliance in Korea; WCAG for inclusivity, UX improvement, and global regulatory alignment.
K-PIPA
Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)
Key Features
- Mandatory independent Chief Privacy Officer appointment
- Granular explicit consent for sensitive data transfers
- 72-hour breach notifications to data subjects
- Extraterritorial enforcement on foreign entities targeting Koreans
- Fines up to 3% of annual global revenue
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2
Key Features
- POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
- Testable success criteria at A, AA, AAA levels
- Technology-agnostic for all web content and platforms
- Informative techniques, advisory guidance, documented failures
- Conformance requires full pages and complete processes
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 comprehensive data protection regulation, enacted in 2011 with key amendments in 2020, 2023, and 2024. It protects personal information of Korean residents, applying to all data handlers via a consent-centric, risk-based approach focused on transparency, purpose limitation, and accountability.
Key Components
- Mandatory CPO appointment with independence for all handlers; qualified for large entities.
- Granular explicit consents, 10-day data subject rights responses, 72-hour breach notifications.
- Security measures per 2024 guidelines (encryption, access controls); tiered obligations.
- Cross-border transfer rules with PIPC approvals; no fixed controls but detailed enforcement.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance for domestic/foreign entities processing Korean data to avoid fines up to 3% revenue or imprisonment.
- Enhances risk management, builds stakeholder trust, secures EU adequacy for flows.
- Drives competitive advantages via privacy-by-design, market access in privacy-sensitive Korea.
Implementation Overview
- **Phased frameworkGap analysis, CPO governance, technical controls, training, audits.
- Applies universally to sectors/sizes with Korean exposure; extraterritorial.
- PIPC-led enforcement via investigations; self-compliance with certifications like ISMS-P.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is the W3C's globally recognized, technology-agnostic framework for web accessibility. Its primary purpose is to make web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. WCAG uses a layered approach: principles, guidelines, and testable success criteria at Levels A, AA, AAA.
Key Components
- **Four POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines and ~80 success criteria (normative, testable).
- Informative techniques, understanding docs, and failures.
- Conformance model requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal refs (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Reduces litigation risk, enhances UX/market reach.
- Supports procurement, SEO, conversion gains.
- Builds stakeholder trust via inclusive design.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assessment, remediation via design systems/CI tools, training, audits.
- Applies globally to all web-publishing orgs/industries.
- No certification; uses VPATs, audits, statements. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | K-PIPA | WCAG |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection, privacy rights | Web content accessibility for disabilities |
| Industry | All sectors processing Korean data | All web publishing organizations globally |
| Nature | Mandatory national privacy law | Voluntary W3C technical guidelines |
| Testing | Security audits, breach simulations | Automated scans, manual AT testing |
| Penalties | 3% revenue fines, imprisonment | No direct penalties, litigation risk |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about K-PIPA and WCAG
K-PIPA FAQ
WCAG FAQ
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