Data Privacy

Data privacy ensures that personal information is handled responsibly and in accordance with individual expectations and legal requirements.

Why it matters

• Privacy regulations carry significant penalties (GDPR fines up to 4% of global revenue).
• Data breaches erode customer trust and damage brand reputation.
• Privacy-conscious consumers prefer companies that respect their data rights.
• Cross-border data transfers require compliance with multiple jurisdictions.

Key privacy regulations

• GDPR (EU): Comprehensive privacy law with strict consent and data subject rights.
• CCPA/CPRA (California): Consumer rights to know, delete, and opt-out of data sales.
• HIPAA (US): Protects health information with strict security requirements.
• LGPD (Brazil): Similar to GDPR for Brazilian citizens.
• PIPEDA (Canada): Consent-based framework for commercial data.

Privacy principles

• Purpose limitation: Collect data only for specified, legitimate purposes.
• Data minimization: Collect only what's necessary.
• Storage limitation: Keep data only as long as needed.
• Accuracy: Ensure personal data is correct and up-to-date.
• Security: Protect data with appropriate technical measures.
• Accountability: Demonstrate compliance through documentation.

Implementation steps

• Conduct data mapping to understand what you collect and where it flows.
• Implement privacy by design in new systems and processes.
• Create clear privacy policies and consent mechanisms.
• Establish processes for data subject requests (access, deletion, portability).
• Train employees on privacy requirements and responsibilities.