DataGuard’s Empowering Privacy Ireland event took place at Meta’s HQ in Dublin on Data Protection Day—a gathering of compliance leaders, privacy professionals, and security experts focused on the latest developments in data protection.
Over 200 attendees got together to discuss and share data privacy best practices, and we’re excited to share some of the top insights that could help you strengthen your privacy strategy.
Here are our top three takeaways.
1. Keep control of your vendor chain
Third-party providers and sub-processors are an essential but often risky part of any organization’s compliance landscape. One major concern is data transfers to the U.S., where legal frameworks can shift rapidly. The EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF) may offer temporary relief, but you should use on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and implement additional safeguards for long-term security.
Looking to simplify compliance with GDPR requirements? Check out our GDPR audit checklist to ensure you’re covering all mandatory documentation.
2. Embed privacy into decision-making
Privacy isn't an afterthought—it should be built into decision-making at every level. Compliance and security teams should continue to involve leadership as early as possible and build privacy into strategic planning to maintain compliance and strengthen trust.
Want to understand how NIS2 intersects with ISO 27001 and broader security compliance? Watch our NIS2 and ISO 27001 video for expert insights.
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3. Stay ahead of emerging technologies
Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) are revolutionizing the way businesses protect personal data. Solutions like Consent and Preference Management (CPM) tools can help you efficiently handle user consents for marketing, communication, and tracking—saving time, resources and risks.
But privacy isn’t just about technology. The event highlighted the rising risks of processing sensitive data belonging to children and vulnerable individuals. With the EU Accessibility Act on the horizon, you should consider a more proactive assessment of your policies to make sure data is always accessible (and always compliant).
Key questions to consider
- Are privacy policies easily accessible for individuals with disabilities (e.g., text-to-speech functions, simple language)?
- Are data subject rights requests (e.g., access, deletion) barrier-free and user-friendly
For more insights on how privacy and security compliance are evolving, explore our definitive guide to UK GDPR.
Stay ahead of AI regulations—download the ultimate guide to the EU AI Act
What other data privacy best practices did we cover?
That wasn’t all. Here are some of the other data privacy best practices and compliance hot topics our panels and people talked about on the day. Check out some of the links below for further reading.
Data control in the sea of third-party providers: A deep dive into DPIA checklists, risk management, and navigating international data transfers.
Slipping through the cracks: Addressing regulatory blind spots with expert insights on risk mitigation and compliance strategies.
AI through the lens of a DPO: A practical look at managing AI-driven privacy risks while ensuring compliance and ethical data use.
Implementing a stronger privacy strategy
These insights go beyond theoretical and can help shape how your business approaches privacy and compliance in the future. Whether you’re navigating NIS2, GDPR, or sector-specific regulations, taking a proactive approach can turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
And we’re here to help! If you need guidance on embedding privacy-first principles into your operations, get in touch with our experts today.
