Update on ISO/IEC 27701: The New Era of Personal Data Protection in 2025

In an increasingly digitised world, the protection of personal
protection of personal data has become a priority for has become a priority for organisations around the world.
organisations around the world. With the 2025, the ISO/IEC 27701 standard, which regulates the regulates the protection of data privacy, has been privacy, has undergone a significant update. significant update. This new version comes with important changes that will shape the future of data privacy management globally.

ISO/IEC 27701 is an extension of ISO/IEC 27001, which establishes a framework for the information security management (ISMS). ISO/IEC 27701 is specifically designed specifically to manage data privacy and establish a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS).
Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). This standard helps organisations to comply with international regulations on personal data protection.
international regulations on the protection of personal data, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and other privacy laws worldwide.

One of the most prominent changes in the new version of ISO/IEC 27701 expected to be released in March 2025 is the independence of PIMS. Unlike the previous 2019 version, in which it was mandatory to have an ISO/IEC 27001 information security ISO/IEC 27001 implemented in order to
implement a PIMS, organizations will now be able to implement this new standard independently. This makes it easier for even those companies that do not have an ISMS in place to adopt a robust data privacy management system without the need to comply with ISO/IEC 27001 requirements beforehand.

1. Accessibility for organizations of all sizes.
The new version of the standard opens up the possibility for both large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to implement a PIMS without having to invest in a full ISMS. This reduces costs and simplifies the adaptation process for companies of any size, providing access to a data privacy certification without the previous barriers.

2. Easier and more flexible regulatory compliance.
By being independent of ISO/IEC 27001, organizations can now focus exclusively on data privacy. This allows for greater flexibility and speed in implementing PIMS, aligning with regulations such as GDPR, without the need to have other complex information security management systems in place.

3. Reduced upfront costs.
Eliminating the need for a previous ISMS significantly reduces the upfront costs of implementing a PIMS, allowing organizations to become compliant without having to make a large investment in additional security infrastructure.

4. Increased confidence and reputation.
Achieving ISO/IEC 27701 certification demonstrates an organization’s commitment to protecting the personal data of its customers and employees. This strengthens customer confidence and enhances brand reputation, positioning companies as responsible and committed to information security and privacy.

With the significant changes in the new version of ISO/IEC 27701, organizations need to consider several key steps to achieve compliance and certification:
1. update the scope of PIMS: It is essential to review and update the scope of the Privacy Information Management System to align with the new requirements. This includes adjusting internal policies, responsibilities and roles related to data privacy.
2. Focus on risk management: The revamped standard requires organizations to implement a risk management-based approach that considers the privacy principles set forth in the standard. In addition, organizations must use international frameworks, such as the GDPR, to assess and manage the privacy risks faced by data.
3. Adjust policies and procedures: It is important to review existing privacy and security policies to ensure that they are aligned with the new requirements of ISO/IEC 27701 and cover all aspects of personal data protection.

4. Training and awareness: Ongoing employee training on privacy principles and information security management is critical to ensure compliance with the standard and proper implementation of privacy management processes.

Although the independence of PIMS represents a significant advancement, there are also some challenges for organizations to consider:

• Integration with other systems: Although the standard is now independent, organizations must ensure that PIMS is properly integrated with other existing systems, such as ISMS or compliance processes already in place.
• Audit readiness: Organizations should be prepared to undergo external audits to verify their compliance with ISO/IEC 27701. This requires thorough documentation and proper implementation of all privacy policies.

At Ariol Consulting, we are specialists in data privacy management and compliance with ISO standards such as ISO/IEC 27701. We help you understand the changes of the new version of the standard and accompany you throughout the implementation and certification process.
Are you ready to upgrade your data privacy management system and become ISO/IEC 27701 certified?
Contact us today for advice, training and support in the implementation of the standard, ensuring that your company meets the highest standards of data privacy protection.
data privacy protection standards.