If your business operates in the EU or processes EU customer data, you must comply with GDPR. If you want an internationally recognized privacy certification, especially when working with global clients, ISO 27701 is ideal. For the most comprehensive data privacy posture, adopting both is the best strateg
What is GDPR?
GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation, is a mandatory privacy law enforced in the European Union. It regulates how businesses collect, store, and process personal data of EU residents.
Key features of GDPR:
- Requires user consent before processing data
- Mandates data breach notifications within 72 hours
- Grants individuals rights like data access, correction, and deletion
- Applies to any business worldwide handling EU data
Who should adopt GDPR?
Businesses that:
- Serve EU customers
- Collect or process EU user data
- Sell products or services in the European market
What is ISO 27701?
ISO 27701 is an international privacy standard that extends ISO 27001 (Information Security) to include data protection and privacy practices. It helps businesses create a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS).
Key features of ISO 27701:
- Offers certification for privacy practices
- Helps manage data processing activities
- Defines clear roles (controllers, processors)
- Supports global privacy compliance programs
Who should adopt ISO 27701?
Businesses that:
- Already follow or plan to implement ISO 27001
- Work with international clients that demand data protection certification
- Need a structured, auditable privacy management system
GDPR vs ISO 27701: Key Differences Explained
| Feature | GDPR | ISO 27701 |
| Type | Regulation (Law) | Standard (Voluntary Certification) |
| Enforceability | Legal obligation with penalties | Voluntary but widely accepted |
| Scope | EU-focused | Global, adaptable to multiple laws |
| Certification | No official certification | Can be formally certified |
| Integration | Legal & policy-focused | Process & system-based |
Can a Business Use Both GDPR and ISO 27701?
Yes. Many companies use GDPR as the legal foundation and implement ISO 27701 as a structured system to prove and manage privacy compliance.
Example:
A SaaS company serving clients in the EU and the US may comply with GDPR while using ISO 27701 to streamline internal privacy controls across all markets.
Which Privacy Framework Should Your Business Adopt?
Choose GDPR if:
- You collect or process EU data
- You sell services to EU citizens
- You must legally comply with EU privacy regulations
Choose ISO 27701 if:
- You want to certify your privacy program
- You already have ISO 27001
- You serve global clients and need auditability
Choose Both if:
- You want to build a future-proof privacy posture
- You seek international market credibility
- You deal with cross-border data processing
Final Thoughts
When choosing between GDPR vs ISO 27701, consider your business goals, regulatory exposure, and client expectations. If you’re targeting EU customers, GDPR is a must. If you’re expanding globally or want structured, certifiable controls, ISO 27701 provides the edge. For long-term trust and data protection maturity, implementing both gives your business the strongest privacy foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between GDPR and ISO 27701?
GDPR is a legal regulation. ISO 27701 is a privacy framework built on ISO 27001 that can be audited and certified.
Is ISO 27701 a replacement for GDPR?
No. ISO 27701 complements GDPR but does not replace it. GDPR is mandatory; ISO 27701 is voluntary.
Can ISO 27701 help with GDPR compliance?
Yes. ISO 27701 includes tools like DPIAs, data mapping, and privacy governance, which support GDPR compliance.
