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ISO/IEC 27701
Get ISO/IEC 27701 certification to implement a structured, risk-based approach to Privacy Information Management System.
Understanding ISO/IEC 27701
As a standalone Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) standard, ISO/IEC 27701 defines specific governance, operational, and risk management requirements for handling PII. It aligns with international privacy laws, ensuring organisations establish robust privacy controls, whether they function as PII controllers or processors.
ISO/IEC 27701 was originally introduced as a privacy extension to ISO/IEC 27001, providing a structured approach to managing Personally Identifiable Information (PII). However, with a significant shift in privacy information management, from March 2025 onwards, ISO/IEC 27701 will be a standalone standard, independent of ISO/IEC 27001. This transition reflects the growing complexity of global privacy regulations and the need for dedicated privacy governance frameworks beyond traditional information security controls.
Key Aspects
Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
ISO/IEC 27701 establishes a structured framework for managing personally identifiable information (PII). It defines governance policies, accountability measures, and operational controls to ensure data privacy while integrating seamlessly with broader information security management.
PII Controllers & PII Processors Responsibilities
The standard distinguishes between the roles of PII controllers and PII processors, specifying their obligations in handling, storing, and transferring personal data. It ensures organisations implement appropriate safeguards based on their role in the data processing ecosystem.
Privacy Risk and Impact Assessments
A risk-based approach requires organisations to conduct Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) to evaluate potential threats to PII security. This helps in proactively mitigating privacy risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations.
Global Regulatory Alignment & Compliance
ISO/IEC 27701 maps to major privacy laws such as GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, and PDPA, helping organisations demonstrate compliance with legal and contractual privacy requirements. This alignment reduces regulatory exposure and strengthens data protection practices.
Who Needs ISO/IEC 27701 Certification?
Organisations that collect, process, or store Personally Identifiable Information (PII) can benefit from ISO/IEC 27701 certification.

Financial Services
Handle sensitive financial and personal data under stringent regulations—ISO/IEC 27701 supports compliance with data protection laws like GDPR and APRA CPS 234.

Healthcare & Life Sciences
Protects health data in line with HIPAA, HL7, and other medical data regulations, ensuring patient confidentiality and secure data lifecycle management.

Technology & Cloud Providers
For SaaS, PaaS, and cloud storage providers managing user data across borders, ISO/IEC 27701 enables structured data privacy controls and transparency.

Retail & E-Commerce
Increases trust in customer data handling practices through defined privacy policies, access controls, and vendor risk management aligned with ISO/IEC 27001.

Government & Public Sector
Supports agencies in safeguarding citizen data and fulfilling public trust through enforceable data handling and retention policies.

Professional Services (Legal)
Facilitates compliance with client confidentiality requirements, minimising the risk of data breaches in law firms and consulting practices.
Certification, Simplified
Our assessment verify that your management systems comply with the international standards while aligning with your business objectives.
Need to Know
More?
From understanding the scope and requirements to uncovering the benefits that certification brings to your organisation, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions, providing you with clear insights and guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re new to certification or looking for more specific information, our comprehensive FAQ will ensure you have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
Is ISO/IEC 27701 still dependent on ISO/IEC 27001?
No. ISO/IEC 27701 is now a standalone standard. While it was initially an extension of ISO/IEC 27001, it has evolved to function independently.
How does ISO/IEC 27701 support GDPR compliance?
The standard aligns with GDPR principles such as lawfulness, transparency, data minimisation, and accountability. However, it does not replace legal GDPR certification but provides a structured approach to demonstrate compliance.
What is the difference between a PII Controller and a PII Processor under ISO/IEC 27701?
A PII Controller defines the purpose and means of personal data processing, while a PII Processor processes personal data on behalf of the controller.
How long does ISO/IEC 27701 certification take?
The timeframe depends on the organisation’s size, complexity, and existing privacy governance measures, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months.
What is the certification validity period?
ISO/IEC 27701 certification remains valid for three years, subject to annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance.

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