Data privacy refers to the responsible collection, storage, and management of personal data, ensuring individuals’ rights are respected. It covers how organizations gather, share, and protect personal information.

With the rise of digital transformation, businesses now collect large amounts of user data via websites, mobile apps, and digital platforms. While this enhances user experience and efficiency, it also brings significant risks. Without robust privacy measures, businesses can suffer data breaches, legal penalties, and a loss of customer trust.

Data privacy is now a fundamental consumer right and a key factor in building customer trust. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about demonstrating respect for user data and building credibility.

Consumers today are highly aware of their privacy rights and expect companies to handle data transparently and securely. Negligence can lead to reputational damage and financial loss.

Global standards and frameworks to consider include:

• ISO/IEC 27001 – 27018 (Global)
• 
  
• GDPR (EU & UK)
• 
  
• CCPA (USA)
• 
  
• PDPL (KSA)
• 
  
• DPDPA (India)

Example: A major company once faced severe backlash for misusing personal data. Users abandoned the platform, and the company incurred millions in fines. This underscores how neglecting privacy can destroy a brand’s reputation.

To gain consumer trust, businesses must provide:

• Transparent data policies
• 
  
• Clear consent mechanisms
• 
  
• Secure data storage and usage practices

Implementing data security and privacy requires a combination of technical solutions and organizational practices:

• Create a Clear Privacy Policy: Clearly communicate how data is collected, used, and protected.
• 
  
• Practice Data Minimization: Collect only the data necessary for the intended purpose.
• 
  
• Implement Security & Privacy by Design: Build privacy into your systems and processes from the outset.
• 
  
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Regular assessments help identify and mitigate privacy risks.
• 
  
• Secure Data Handling: Use encryption, access controls, and regular audits.
• 
  
• Train Your Team: Provide ongoing training and awareness programs for all staff.

Many organizations hesitate to invest in security infrastructure because they haven’t yet experienced an attack. Leadership often views security as a cost center rather than an asset.

As consultants or advisors, it helps to frame security as insurance — much like health insurance, it’s about minimizing risk and ensuring continuity. Demonstrating the long-term value and potential loss prevention can help shift the perspective from “cost” to “strategic investment.”

No — it’s everyone’s responsibility.

While the CISO or DPO may lead the efforts, the consequences of a data breach impact the entire organization.

With proper security awareness training across all levels — strategic, tactical, and operational — businesses can foster a culture of responsibility and build a strong human firewall alongside technical controls.

Adopting GRC principles (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) helps organizations:

• Improve their security posture
• Reduce risk
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance

The DPDPA is India’s landmark data protection law that governs the collection, processing, storage, and erasure of personal data. It emphasizes:

• Data Minimization
• Purpose Limitation
• Storage Limitation

It requires organizations to handle data lawfully, fairly, and securely, and to erase it when no longer needed.

Released by MeitY (Jan 2025), the draft rules define:

• What personal data can be collected
• How consent must be obtained
• Where data can be stored or transferred
• Who is responsible for breaches or misuse

Key Entities:

• Data Principal – The individual whose data is collected
• Data Fiduciary – The entity determining data use
• Significant Data Fiduciary – Entities handling large-scale data
• Consent Manager – Tools/platforms for managing user consent

Legitimate Retention Allowed When:

• Required by law (e.g., tax, employment)
• 
  
• Data principal consents
• 
  
• Needed for legal claims, audits, or disputes

Erasure Requirements:

• Data must be erased once the purpose is fulfilled or retention period ends
• 
  
• Data Principals can request erasure if:
• Data is no longer necessary
• 
  
• Consent is withdrawn

Automated Erasure:

• Organizations should use systems to auto-delete data periodically (e.g., data purging)

Post-Breach Deletion:

• If data was collected or processed unlawfully, the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) can mandate deletion.

Cross-border transfers are restricted. You can only transfer personal data to countries approved by the Indian government’s whitelist.

This affects businesses using foreign servers (e.g., cloud platforms, CRMs). Ensure your service providers comply with DPDPA requirements.

Data security and privacy are no longer optional — they’re essential pillars of business trust and legal compliance. By embracing transparency, best practices, and proactive security measures, organizations can not only avoid risks but also lead with integrity in today’s data-driven world.