Standards Comparison

    LGPD

    Mandatory
    2020

    Brazil's comprehensive law for personal data protection

    VS

    ISO 37301

    Voluntary
    2021

    Certifiable international standard for compliance management systems

    Quick Verdict

    LGPD mandates data protection for Brazilian residents with fines up to 2% revenue, while ISO 37301 offers voluntary CMS certification for global compliance management. Companies adopt LGPD for legal compliance in Brazil; ISO 37301 for structured governance and stakeholder trust.

    Data Privacy

    LGPD

    Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais (Law No. 13.709/2018)

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

    Key Features

    • Extraterritorial scope targeting Brazilian residents' data processing
    • 10 core principles including prevention and non-discrimination
    • Fines up to 2% Brazilian revenue capped at R$50M
    • Mandatory DPO appointment for controllers with public disclosure
    • ANPD-approved SCCs mandatory for cross-border transfers by 2025
    Compliance Management

    ISO 37301

    ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems

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

    Key Features

    • Certifiable CMS requirements replacing ISO 19600
    • Risk-based compliance obligations assessment
    • Leadership commitment and culture emphasis
    • Confidential whistleblowing channels and protections
    • HLS alignment for integrated management systems

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    LGPD Details

    What It Is

    Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais (LGPD), Law No. 13.709/2018, is Brazil's comprehensive federal regulation for personal data processing. It protects privacy rights with extraterritorial scope, applying to any processing targeting Brazilian residents. Modeled on GDPR but adapted locally, it uses a risk-based approach with 10 principles like purpose limitation and accountability.

    Key Components

    • **10 principlesPurpose limitation, necessity, transparency, security, prevention, non-discrimination, accountability.
    • **Data subject rightsAccess, correction, deletion, portability, objection to automated decisions.
    • **Legal bases10 options including consent, contracts, legitimate interests.
    • **GovernanceMandatory DPO for controllers, records of processing, DPIAs for high-risk activities.
    • EnforcementANPD** imposes graduated sanctions up to 2% Brazilian revenue (R$50M cap).

    Why Organizations Use It

    LGPD compliance avoids multimillion fines, operational halts, reputational damage. It builds trust, enables market access in Brazil's digital economy, supports AI innovation via anonymization exemptions, and aligns with global standards for efficiency.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased risk-based approach: governance setup, data mapping, policies, technical controls, DSR automation, vendor management, monitoring. Applies to all sizes/industries processing Brazilian data; no certification but ANPD audits required.

    ISO 37301 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 37301:2021, officially "Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use," is a certifiable international standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving effective compliance management systems (CMS). It replaces guidance-only ISO 19600, using a risk-based, PDCA cycle approach aligned with the ISO High-Level Structure (HLS) for integration with standards like ISO 9001 and 27001.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Emphasizes leadership commitment, risk assessment, whistleblowing protections, competence, and continual improvement.
    • Built on HLS; supports certification via accredited bodies like ANAB.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives regulatory compliance, reduces risks, enhances culture of integrity, meets ESG demands, boosts stakeholder trust, and provides third-party validation for competitive edge.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: gap analysis, obligation register, controls, training, audits. Applicable to all sizes/sectors; involves 3-year certification cycles with surveillance audits. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    LGPD
    Personal data protection and processing
    ISO 37301
    All compliance obligations and management systems

    Industry

    LGPD
    All sectors targeting Brazilian residents
    ISO 37301
    All industries and organization sizes globally

    Nature

    LGPD
    Mandatory national data protection law
    ISO 37301
    Voluntary certifiable management standard

    Testing

    LGPD
    DPIAs for high-risk, ANPD audits
    ISO 37301
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    LGPD
    Fines up to 2% Brazilian revenue (R$50M cap)
    ISO 37301
    Loss of certification, no legal fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about LGPD and ISO 37301

    LGPD FAQ

    ISO 37301 FAQ

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