Privacy Assessments & Compliance

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a comprehensive EU privacy law that protects personal data of EU residents. Any organization that processes personal data of EU residents must comply, regardless of where the organization is located. This includes organizations offering goods or services to EU residents, monitoring behavior of EU residents, or processing personal data of EU residents.

GDPR is a comprehensive EU regulation with strict requirements including lawful basis for processing, data subject rights, and data protection by design. CCPA/CPRA are California state laws focused on consumer rights including the right to know, delete, opt-out of sale, and non-discrimination. While both protect personal data, GDPR is more prescriptive with specific requirements, while CCPA/CPRA emphasizes consumer control and transparency. Organizations operating in both jurisdictions must comply with both frameworks.

DPDPA (Digital Personal Data Protection Act) is India's comprehensive data protection law. Any organization processing digital personal data of individuals in India must comply, including organizations located outside India if they process personal data in connection with business activities in India or profiling individuals in India. DPDPA applies to data fiduciaries (organizations that determine the purpose and means of processing) and data processors.

Assessment timelines vary based on the framework, organization size, data processing complexity, and current compliance maturity. GDPR assessments typically take 2-4 months, CCPA/CPRA assessments 1-3 months, DPDPA assessments 2-4 months, and regional assessments (UAE PDPL, KSA PDPL, Singapore PDPA) 2-3 months. Organizations pursuing compliance for the first time may need 3-6 months for gap assessment, remediation, and formal validation.

Penalties vary by framework. GDPR violations can result in fines up to €20 million or 4% of global annual revenue, whichever is higher. CCPA/CPRA violations can result in fines up to $7,500 per violation plus statutory damages. DPDPA violations can result in fines up to ₹250 crores (approximately $30 million). UAE PDPL and KSA PDPL violations can result in significant fines and operational restrictions. All frameworks may also result in reputational damage, legal liabilities, and business disruption.

Yes, many organizations combine multiple privacy assessments to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. GDPR compliance often provides a strong foundation for other privacy frameworks. Organizations operating globally can coordinate GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, DPDPA, and regional assessments to leverage shared evidence, common controls, and unified privacy governance. Our team helps coordinate multiple assessments to reduce overall timeline and cost while ensuring comprehensive compliance.

Required documentation typically includes privacy policies and notices, data processing agreements, records of processing activities (ROPA), data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), data subject request procedures, breach notification procedures, privacy by design documentation, vendor management procedures, data retention policies, consent management records, and evidence of control implementation. We help you identify required documentation and develop missing policies and procedures as part of the assessment process.

Privacy compliance is an ongoing process. After initial validation, organizations must maintain privacy controls, conduct regular assessments, update documentation as data processing activities change, respond to data subject requests, monitor for privacy incidents, and ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulations. Most frameworks require annual reassessment or continuous monitoring. We provide ongoing support to help you maintain compliance, address changes in regulations, and prepare for reassessment.

DPO requirements vary by framework. GDPR requires a DPO for public authorities, organizations whose core activities involve large-scale systematic monitoring, or large-scale processing of special categories of data. DPDPA requires a Data Protection Officer for significant data fiduciaries. Other frameworks may not require a DPO but benefit from privacy leadership. We help you determine DPO requirements and provide DPO advisory services or support for existing DPOs.

Cross-border data transfers require appropriate safeguards. GDPR requires Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs), or adequacy decisions. DPDPA allows transfers to countries with adequate data protection laws or with appropriate contractual safeguards. UAE PDPL and KSA PDPL have specific requirements for cross-border transfers. We help you implement appropriate transfer mechanisms, review data processing agreements, and ensure compliant cross-border data flows.