PDPA
Singapore regulation for personal data protection
ISO 28000
International standard for supply chain security management systems
Quick Verdict
PDPA mandates personal data protection for Singapore organizations, enforcing privacy via DPO and breach rules. ISO 28000 provides voluntary supply chain security framework globally. Companies adopt PDPA for legal compliance, ISO 28000 for resilience and certification.
PDPA
Personal Data Protection Act 2012
Key Features
- Mandatory Data Protection Officer appointment
- Data Protection Management Programme framework
- Mandatory breach notification within 72 hours
- Deemed consent mechanisms for business purposes
- Transfer limitation with reasonable safeguards
ISO 28000
ISO 28000:2022 Security management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Risk-based PDCA cycle for supply chain security
- Explicit supplier and external process controls
- Aligned with ISO 31000 risk management
- Integrated security plans and incident response
- Top management leadership and continual improvement
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 principal regulation governing collection, use, disclosure, and protection of personal data by private sector organizations. It adopts a principles-based, risk-focused approach emphasizing accountability through a Data Protection Management Programme (DPMP) with four steps: governance, policy, processes, and maintenance.
Key Components
- Nine core obligations: consent, purpose limitation, notification, access/correction, accuracy, protection, retention, transfer limitation, accountability.
- Mandatory DPO appointment reporting to senior management.
- A-C-R-E breach response framework.
- Compliance via self-assessment (PATO) and enforcement up to SGD 1 million fines.
Why Organizations Use It
PDPA ensures legal compliance amid rising data risks, reduces breach/enforcement exposure, builds customer trust, and enables ethical data use for innovation. It supports business continuity and partnerships via demonstrable safeguards.
Implementation Overview
Phased roadmap: baseline assessment, data mapping/DPIAs, policy development, technical controls (encryption/RBAC), training, incident playbooks. Applies to all Singapore organizations handling personal data; no certification but PDPC audits/enforcement.
ISO 28000 Details
What It Is
ISO 28000:2022 is an international standard specifying requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a security management system (SMS) focused on supply chain security. It adopts a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach, aligned with modern ISO management systems.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Emphasizes risk assessment (aligned with ISO 31000), operational controls, security plans, and supplier interdependencies.
- Built on holistic principles like leadership, customization, and relationship management.
- Supports certification via third-party audits per ISO 28003.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces security risks (theft, sabotage, disruptions) and ensures business continuity.
- Meets contractual, regulatory, and partner requirements.
- Enhances resilience, insurance premiums, market access, and stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, policy development, training, audits.
- Applicable to all sizes/industries with supply chains; scalable.
- Involves internal audits, management reviews, and optional certification (Stage 1/2 audits).
Key Differences
| Aspect | PDPA | ISO 28000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection in private sector | Supply chain security management system |
| Industry | All private sector in Singapore | All industries worldwide, supply chain focus |
| Nature | Mandatory national privacy law | Voluntary international certification standard |
| Testing | Self-assessments, DPIAs, audits | Internal audits, management reviews, certification |
| Penalties | Fines up to S$1M or 10% revenue | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PDPA and ISO 28000
PDPA FAQ
ISO 28000 FAQ
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