GDPR and ISO 27701: Implementing data protection systematically
GDPR is mandatory. ISO 27701 gives you the framework to implement it in a structured and auditable way within your ISMS.
Überblick
The GDPR has been binding EU law since May 2018, mandatory for every company processing personal data of EU citizens. With fines of up to 4% of annual turnover or EUR 20 million, there is no room for non-compliance.
ISO/IEC 27701 is an extension of ISO 27001 that defines a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It is voluntary but provides a structured method for implementing data protection requirements like the GDPR within an existing ISMS.
The two frameworks are not alternatives. The GDPR defines your legal obligations. ISO 27701 provides the methodology to fulfil them systematically, demonstrably, and in an auditable manner. For companies already certified to ISO 27001, ISO 27701 is the natural next step to seamlessly integrate data protection into their existing management system.
In practice this means: you need the GDPR anyway. ISO 27701 helps you implement it more efficiently and systematically, especially if you already operate an ISMS.
GDPR vs. ISO 27701 im Vergleich
| Kriterium | GDPR | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Mandatory for all EU data processors | Voluntary, for ISO 27001 users |
| Certification | No direct certification | Possible as ISO 27001 extension |
| Legal Liability | Legally binding | Not legally binding |
| Costs | Fines for non-compliance | Certification and audit costs |
| Validity Period | Permanent, with regular updates | Three years, with regular audits |
| Industry Focus | All industries | Focus on ISO 27001 users |
| Audit Type | Internal audit required | External certification audits required |
| Fines/Consequences | Up to 4% of annual turnover | No direct fines |
Gemeinsamkeiten
Data Protection Focus
Both standards place great emphasis on protecting personal data. Implementing data protection measures for the GDPR simultaneously fulfils many ISO 27701 requirements.
Risk Management
Both GDPR and ISO 27701 require effective risk management. GDPR risk analysis already covers a large part of ISO 27701 requirements.
Accountability
Both frameworks emphasise accountability. Companies must demonstrate how they ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Data Subject Rights
The rights of data subjects, such as access and deletion, are central to both standards. Once implemented, they satisfy the requirements of both frameworks.
Zentrale Unterschiede
Scope
The GDPR is a legal obligation for all companies processing EU citizens' data, while ISO 27701 is a voluntary certification.
Certification
The GDPR itself offers no certification option, while ISO 27701 enables formal certification as an extension of ISO 27001.
Legal Liability
The GDPR is legally binding with significant fines, while ISO 27701 as a voluntary standard carries no legal consequences.
Costs
GDPR non-compliance can result in heavy fines, while ISO 27701 costs come from certification and audit requirements.
Industry Focus
The GDPR applies to all industries processing personal data, while ISO 27701 is particularly relevant for companies that have already implemented ISO 27001.
Welchen Standard wählen?
GDPR is not a choice. As an EU company processing personal data, you are legally required to comply. That is your legal baseline.
ISO 27701 is voluntary but particularly valuable if you already have an ISMS under ISO 27001 or are planning one. It gives you a proven structure for systematically integrating data protection measures into your security management rather than managing them separately.
In practice, you always need GDPR. ISO 27701 is the best complement if you want to professionalise your data protection beyond minimum requirements and demonstrate it to customers and auditors. With Kopexa, you can address both standards in parallel through cross-framework mapping.
Synergien: Beide Standards effizient umsetzen
Since GDPR is already your obligation, ISO 27701 builds on it. GDPR defines the what, ISO 27701 provides the how. Many data protection measures you have implemented for GDPR already satisfy ISO 27701 requirements.
For example, a GDPR-compliant Data Protection Impact Assessment already covers a large part of ISO 27701's Privacy Impact Assessment requirements. Your existing Records of Processing Activities (ROPA) can be directly reused in ISO 27701.
Kopexa shows you through cross-framework mapping which of your existing GDPR measures already cover ISO 27701. This way you avoid duplicate work and only build the additional controls that ISO 27701 requires beyond GDPR.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
GDPR + ISO 27701 with one tool
Leverage Kopexa's cross-framework mapping to efficiently implement both standards and optimise compliance.
Free demoInhalt
Weitere Vergleiche
Multi-Standard Compliance?
Kopexa zeigt dir, wo sich GDPR und ISO 27701 überschneiden — und spart dir doppelte Arbeit.
Demo anfragen