Most organizations promise but fail to deliver effective data privacy management. With ISO 27701 certification, organizations demonstrate that they have in place a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) and other controls to responsibly manage and protect personal data. Compared to its predecessor ISO 27001, which addresses information security, ISO 27701 emphasizes on the management of personal data and was published in 2019.
The international organization responsible for setting management standards (ISO) and the international electrotechnical commission (IEC) published an independent standard (ISO/IEC 27701:2025) based on the provisions of ISO 27701 on 14th October 2025. As of that date, organizations are authorized to certify to the independent standard. Although the standard supports GDPR, it also complements India’s Data Protection Law.
The IRQS as a NABCB accredited certification body, has more than 25 years of experience. It provides ISO 27701 certification through a two-step audit.
Are All Your Clients Convinced That Your Team Can Keep Their Personal Data Safe?
Organizations deal with tons of personal data. Yet, they all claim to take the privacy of individuals very seriously. This is the same way most boards and senior management state that they “appreciate the trust” of their clients. However, in reality, most fail to responsibly manage and protect the data.
With international business, procurement becomes even more challenging as many clients want to personally confirm that you have in place proper legal, organizational, and technical safeguards to protect the personal data that they transfer to you. Most times, its not enough to simply answer their questions. You’ve got to prove it!
Deals almost always stall at some stage during negotiations. The use of ISO 27701 at this stage provides a significant advantage. A document, no matter how well written, always leaves some room for doubt. A certified audit, on the other hand, leaves absolutely no room for doubt.
What is ISO 27701 Certification?
The ISO 27701 standard offers guidance on managing personal data in alignment with other ISO 27001 standards covering information security. Moreover, it addresses if personal data is handled in a fair and lawful manner. Is personal data processed in a transparent manner? These are the questions asked by the standard.
The standard encompasses both PII controller and PII processor. PII controllers determine the reason and way in which personal data is processed. On the other hand, PII processors, which include cloud processors, payroll and IT processors, amongst others, process personal data on behalf of the controllers.
A Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) defines and evaluates personal data in the possession of an organization and identifies the threats to privacy that data may pose. It devises ways to address the threats and assigns responsibilities to employees.
Privacy breaches are expensive. According to the 2023 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach globally is $4.88 million. From 2018 to date, GDPR fines in Europe have amounted to over €4.2 billion and the figure is rising.
€1.2 billion: The largest GDPR fine to date. It was levied on Meta (formerly Facebook) by the Irish Data Protection Commission in 2023 for transatlantic data transfers.
Those are not typographical errors. The world is now paying attention.
Welcome India!
India’s Data Protection Laws, 2023 initiated the same within the country. Notification of the Data Protection Practice Framework for Personal Data (the DPDP Rules) was published in November 2025, and provided for incremental implementation over the next several months.
The law provides for a penalty of up to INR 250 crore (2.5 billion INR) for failing to implement reasonable security safeguards. Indian IT service providers, which already face the rigors of the GDPR for their clients, have also come under the purview of the local data protection law and framework.
SaaS, AI, and Other Office in the Cloud Services
Personal Data has never been more ephemeral and difficult to secure. From the time it leaves your CRM to when it is entered into a support ticket, it passes through the hands of many employees and contractors located in various time zones and countries. The privacy and data management software industry has exploded because the OPMS (one page privacy management system) has always been beyond the capacity of most organizations.
The main goal of a privacy management system is to align the interests of customers and regulatory bodies. ISO 27701 serves that purpose.
- Up to date threats to privacy. This edition addresses more current threats including processing using artificial intelligence, international data transfers, use of cloud services and reliance on third party data processors.
- Increased accountability for leadership. Top management is required to establish and review the achievement of privacy objectives and incorporate risk within the business objectives.
- Enhanced controls. The annexes have been updated to include controls for privacy for both controllers and processors and controls for information security aligned with ISO 27001:2022.
Separately, ISO/IEC 27706:2025 was released, which defines requirements for competence of certification bodies that perform privacy system audit. During the transition period of approximately two to three years, it is anticipated that privacy system certification will continue.
Who Should Get ISO 27701?
Many organizations are expected to seek this certification. Currently, it is expected in the following markets:
- International IT and software services
- Banks, NBFCs, insurance and other financial intermediation services and other finance companies
- Healthcare services and other companies that process personal data of patients
- Educational and training services
- Retail trade and other service activities
- Government and other public services
- Other services, particularly if they process personal data of customers
- Transport and other services, particularly if they process data generated by customers
It is expected that the introduction of the Standard will bring about better data processing practices, and therefore it is applicable to companies that process personal data.
The Certification Process
IRQS will review the following from an organization:
- Scope of the organization’s personal data processing activities
- Ability of the organization to implement the IRQS standard requirements
IRQS will issue an assessment report if it determines the organization meets the requirements of the IRQS standard.
- Stage 1 audit: Auditors review an organization’s documents pertaining to policies, procedures, and controls related to protection of personal data, and check implementations against requirements of applicable laws and regulations.
- Stage 2 audit: This involves a site visit to verify operation of controls referred to in Stage 1 audit.
- Certification: Once both stages are completed, Irish Register of Quality and Safety (IRQS) issues the certification.
- Surveillance and recertification: After a period of one year from the date of certification, a surveillance audit would be conducted by the certifier. A full recertification audit would be conducted by the certifier every three years.
Based on the complexity of an organization’s processes and the data, the time taken for certification is usually in the range of six to twelve months. Costs of conducting an ISO 27701 audit in India is in the range of INR 1.5 lakhs to 8 lakhs, depending on the size of the organization, and scope of personal data covered.
There are many reasons to choose IRQS for ISO 27701 certifications in India. However, the most compelling reason is that, unlike other certification bodies, IRQS takes a strong and clear position against selling certificates for monetary gains.
More Than a Rubber Stamp
A two-phase audit is essentially an inspection. Therefore, the controls being audited are verified in the second phase. IRQS clientele have been appreciative of IRQS’s independence during the second phase of the audit.
Anonymous Client stated, “the IRQS assessment was rigorous yet balanced and reinforced confidence of our personnel with data security.”
Another client stated “the methodology applied added worthwhile input to the assessment, and did not overstep into consultative services.”
Globally Reaching
India Resurgent Quality Services (P) Limited (IRQS) has over 20 offices in India and a network of offices in London, Singapore, Dubai, Rotterdam, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, etc. Companies with a multinational presence can rely on IRQS for consistent audits across their operation.
Time and Money Saving
Combined audits for ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 9001, ISO 20000 and ISO 22301 can be performed by IRQS. This saves time and money for the management team, as it eliminates the duplication of audits.
Grow and Strengthen Your Team
The ISO 27701 training course offered by IRQS, provides participants the skills to core elements of privacy management including integrating ISO 27001, and maintaining the system between audits.
Most Common Questions
Is it mandatory to get ISO 27701 certified?
There is no obligation for getting this certification, however clients and regulatory authorities are looking out for this certification.
Does the presence of ISO 27701 contribute to compliance with the GDPR and the DPDP?
It definitely helps with evidence for demonstration of accountability.
What is the duration for which a certificate is issued?
The certificate is valid for a period of three years. Surveillance audits will be conducted annually.
Is the presence of ISO 27001 a prerequisite?
As of the 2025 edition of the standards, it is not a prerequisite.
“We Take Privacy Seriously” is Now Something that Can be Verified
Picture this, you’re on the next procurement call and a client asks, “but what is your proof?” Instead of mumbling through a long and awkward explanation, all you will need to do is show a one-page certificate.
We can expect tighter privacy regulations. Personal data is a valuable resource and will continue to fuel innovations. Keeping up with and ensuring compliance while addressing increasingly inquisitive clientele can prove to be a challenge.
We understand the press and need for constant readiness. IRQS is NABCB accredited, independent, and stands worldwide and locally.
Start your ISO 27701 Certification with us: https://www.irqs.co.in/standards-certification/iso-27701
Organizations are free to keep their famous opening lines of their privacy policies. Now they have proof to back it up.
