ISO 27701 is an international standard that outlines requirements for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It provides a framework for organizations to manage and protect personal information effectively. Achieving ISO 27701 certification demonstrates an organization's commitment to privacy and data protection.
2. Key Principles of 27701 Certification
ISO 27701 is an international standard that outlines requirements for a Privacy Information
Management System (PIMS). It provides a framework for organizations to manage and protect
personal information effectively. Achieving ISO 27701 certification demonstrates an
organization's commitment to privacy and data protection.
The key principles of ISO 27701 certification are as follows:
Privacy Policy: Develop and maintain a clear and comprehensive privacy policy that outlines the
organization's commitment to protecting personal information and complying with privacy laws
and regulations.
Scope Definition: Clearly define the scope of your Privacy Information Management System
(PIMS), specifying the boundaries and responsibilities related to privacy management.
Leadership and Commitment: Top management must provide leadership and commitment to
the development and maintenance of the PIMS. They should actively support privacy objectives
and allocate the necessary resources.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable privacy laws,
regulations, and standards in the regions where you operate. Stay informed about changes in
privacy regulations.
Privacy Risk Assessment and Management: Identify and assess privacy risks associated with the
organization's activities, products, and services. Determine the significance of these risks and
develop strategies to manage and mitigate them.
Privacy Objectives and Targets: Set clear and measurable privacy objectives and targets to
improve privacy performance and compliance. Ensure that objectives are consistent with the
organization's privacy policy and significant privacy risks.
3. Privacy Impact Assessments: Conduct privacy impact assessments (PIAs) to evaluate the
potential impact of data processing activities on individuals' privacy rights and freedoms. Use the
results to implement appropriate safeguards.
Privacy by Design and by Default: Integrate privacy considerations into the design and
development of products, services, and systems from the outset. Ensure that privacy features
are enabled by default.
Operational Controls: Implement operational controls and procedures to manage and protect
personal information. These controls should cover data collection, processing, storage, and
sharing.
Data Subject Rights: Establish mechanisms for individuals to exercise their privacy rights, such as
access, rectification, erasure, and objection. Ensure timely responses to data subject requests.
Third-Party Management: Collaborate with third-party processors and suppliers to ensure that
they meet privacy requirements and standards. Implement contractual agreements that address
privacy and data protection.
Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain comprehensive documentation of your PIMS,
including policies, procedures, privacy impact assessments, data processing records, and records
of privacy incidents.
Training and Awareness: Provide training and awareness programs to ensure that employees
and stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities in protecting privacy and complying
with privacy laws.
Incident Response and Notification: Develop and implement procedures for responding to
privacy incidents and breaches. Notify relevant authorities and affected individuals as required
by law.
4. Measurement and Monitoring: Continuously measure and monitor privacy performance
through key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular privacy assessments. Use data for
decision-making and reporting.
Audit and Review: Conduct regular internal audits and management reviews of your PIMS to
identify non-conformities, areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with ISO 27701
requirements.
Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
Encourage employees to identify opportunities for enhancing privacy performance and
compliance.
ISO 27701 certification demonstrates an organization's commitment to privacy and data
protection, enhances customer trust, and can help organizations comply with privacy regulations,
such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Certification provides a structured
framework for implementing and maintaining a robust Privacy Information Management System.
