What exactly is Data Privacy and Protection, and why should you care?

a detailed learning map from basics to certification

So, you’re curious about data privacy and protection—a subject that’s become more critical than ever in our hyper-connected world. Whether you're someone with a casual interest or a professional looking to dive deeper into the world of data protection laws, understanding the basics before progressing to the nitty-gritty of international laws and certifications is key.

Even if you're not directly handling large datasets in your job, understanding how your personal data is used, who has access to it, and your rights under various privacy laws empowers you to take control of your digital footprint. In a world where your data is constantly being harvested, knowing how to protect your privacy is an essential life skill.

On a professional level some of the roles that require you to have a strong knowledge of Data Privacy & Protection (DPP) are Software Engineers/Developers, Product Managers, Data Analysts/Scientists, Marketing Managers, Product Managers, IT Security Managers and Administrators. For others like Human Resources, Health Care professionals and Healthcare admins this is baked into their job descriptions. Certain others like Data Protection Officers, Legal Counsel and Compliance officers have this as their core job.

Let’s kick things off with the foundation: what exactly is data privacy? At its core, it’s about the proper handling of personal information—how it’s collected, stored, shared, and protected. You’ve probably heard about breaches and misuse of data more times than you can count. Every click, every online interaction leaves a trail of data, and regulations have become increasingly important to safeguard this personal information.

Starting with the basics is essential if you're new to this field. A great starting point is the Data Privacy Fundamentals Course, which explains the core concepts in a digestible format. You’ll learn about the right to privacy, the distinction between personal and sensitive data, and the key principles that form the bedrock of privacy laws worldwide.

Now, let’s explore some international data protection laws. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the big one. It’s a European Union regulation, but its impact is global, affecting any business that deals with EU citizens' data. GDPR is known for setting the gold standard in data protection, giving individuals significant control over their data while imposing stringent requirements on businesses. The seven principles of GDPR—like data minimisation and accountability—are essential for anyone in the data field.

Once you have a grasp on GDPR, you’ll want to branch out to other major regulations, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which serves as the American counterpart of sorts, and is particularly relevant to those working with U.S. citizens' data. In India, data protection has been catching up. The Indian Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB), was set to be reintroduced, takes inspiration from GDPR but has its own local nuances. Indian Personal Data Protection Bill has been scrapped and replaced by Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 which received assent of President of India on 11th August, 2023. If you're working in India or with an Indian organisation, keep an eye on how this law progresses. ⁠

Speaking of India, the Data Protection Bill is expected to bring robust changes to how companies handle personal data. It’s currently evolving, but one thing’s clear—it will introduce stricter guidelines for how companies collect, process, and share user data. I’d recommend NASSCOM’s resources on Indian Data Protection Laws to stay up-to-date on the local legislative landscape, especially as more details emerge.

The laws governing data privacy aren’t one-size-fits-all, and as you continue your journey, you’ll encounter sector-specific guidelines. For instance, healthcare data is treated differently under HIPAA in the U.S., and financial data has its own rules under PCI-DSS. These frameworks are critical for industries handling sensitive information.

To dive deeper into how these laws work in practice, I’d recommend exploring free resources from IAPP (International Association of Privacy Professionals), which provides excellent articles and whitepapers on how businesses apply GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations across different sectors. They also offer a range of certifications (like CIPP/E for Europe or CIPM for privacy management), which can help you stand out if you're looking to work in this field.

For certifications, IAPP is the industry standard. If you’re serious about building a career in data privacy, the Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) certifications are well-recognised globally. They offer specializations in GDPR, U.S. privacy laws, Canadian laws, and more. Start with CIPP/E for Europe, and CIPP/US if you're more interested in U.S. laws.

Now, we are not going to sugarcoat it—the technical jargon and legalese in this field can be daunting. But the beauty of data privacy is its universal relevance. As privacy concerns grow globally, so does the need for professionals who understand how to navigate the legal landscape. OneTrust’s webinars and blogs are excellent to stay updated on current trends and practical challenges in applying these laws.

Books are another essential part of this journey, Data and Goliath by Bruce Schneier is a great read that takes you through the impact of data surveillance on privacy. Podcasts like The Privacy Advisor and Serious Privacy are also a great way to stay informed while you’re commuting or just relaxing.

In terms of building expertise, nothing beats staying connected with the community. Join LinkedIn groups like Cyber Law, Information security & data privacy or EDPF to network with others in the field. Twitter is also a good place to follow influential voices like @GDPRSummary and @PrivacyMatters.

The key takeaway here is to start with foundational knowledge and build your understanding as you explore the global landscape of data privacy and protection. This is a field that’s constantly evolving, so your learning journey will never truly be “done.” But that’s the exciting part, right?