PDPA
Singapore regulation for personal data protection
ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems
Quick Verdict
PDPA mandates data protection laws for SE Asia organizations with fines up to SGD 1M, while ISO 27701 offers voluntary global PIMS certification. Companies adopt PDPA for legal compliance, ISO 27701 for auditable privacy governance and market trust.
PDPA
Personal Data Protection Act 2012
Key Features
- Mandatory Data Protection Officer appointment
- 72-hour breach notification for significant harm
- Deemed consent by notification mechanism
- Do Not Call Registry for marketing
- Transfer Limitation Obligation with safeguards
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management
Key Features
- Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) framework
- Role-specific controls for controllers and processors
- Extends ISO 27001 with privacy risk assessments
- GDPR and regulatory mappings in annexes
- Three-year certification with surveillance audits
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PDPA Details
What It Is
Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) is Singapore's key legislation governing collection, use, disclosure, and protection of personal data by private organizations. Administered by PDPC, it uses a principles-based approach balancing individual rights with business needs.
Key Components
- Nine **obligationsConsent, Purpose Limitation, Notification, Access/Correction, Accuracy, Protection, Retention, Transfer Limitation, Accountability.
- Mandatory DPO and DPMP.
- Breach notification (72 hours if significant harm).
- Do Not Call provisions; fines up to SGD 1M or 10% turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal requirements avoiding penalties.
- Enhances trust, reputation, market access.
- Manages data risks in digital operations.
- Enables compliant innovation and partnerships.
Implementation Overview
Phased: governance/DPO setup, data mapping/DPIAs, policies/controls/training, audits/monitoring. Applies to Singapore organizations handling personal data; uses PDPC tools like PATO, no certification but self-assessments.
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard defining requirements for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends the ISO 27001 ISMS with privacy-specific controls for managing risks to personally identifiable information (PII). Employing a risk-based, PDCA management system approach, it applies to PII controllers and processors.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Annex A: Controls for PII controllers (e.g., consent, DSARs, retention).
- Annex B: Controls for PII processors (e.g., contracts, sub-processors).
- Annexes C–F: Mappings to ISO 29100, GDPR, ISO 27018/29151, ISO 27001/27002. Certification via accredited bodies with 3-year validity, annual surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns with GDPR/POPIA/LGPD for compliance evidence.
- Reduces privacy risks, enhances supply-chain trust.
- Provides competitive differentiation, regulatory assurance.
- Builds stakeholder confidence through auditable processes.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls deployment, internal audits. For all sizes processing PII; 6–12 months typical with ISMS. Involves RoPA, DSAR workflows, vendor governance.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PDPA | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data collection, use, disclosure in PDPA jurisdictions | Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) globally |
| Industry | All sectors in Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia | All industries worldwide, any PII processing |
| Nature | Mandatory national privacy laws with fines | Voluntary international certification standard |
| Testing | PDPC enforcement investigations, no certification | Third-party audits, 3-year certification cycle |
| Penalties | Fines up to SGD 1M, THB 5M, criminal sanctions | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PDPA and ISO 27701
PDPA FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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