ISO/IEC 27701:2025 – A Major Step Forward for Privacy Management

Introduction

ISO has refreshed its global privacy standard with the release of ISO/IEC 27701:2025 on October 14, 2025. This latest update strengthens how organizations manage and protect personal data, ensuring better alignment with today’s privacy and security expectations.

A Standalone Privacy Standard

The most significant update is that ISO 27701 is now a standalone Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) standard. Unlike the 2019 edition, it no longer requires ISO 27001 as a prerequisite. Organizations can now directly pursue privacy certification without needing a full Information Security Management System in place.

Clearer Privacy Roles and Structure

The new edition reinforces clear privacy roles and responsibilities for both PII controllers and PII processors. The structure is redesigned to align with the Annex SL framework used by other ISO management system standards, making integration simpler and supporting compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA. It also reflects evolving technology environments such as cloud and AI-driven processing.

Updated Annexes for Guidance

The 2025 edition includes:

• Annex A – PIMS control objectives and controls for PII controllers and processors
• Annex B – Implementation guidance for applying these controls effectively

Transition Planning

Certification bodies will soon announce the official transition timelines for organizations currently certified under ISO 27701:2019. This is the right time to review current practices, identify gaps, and prepare for a smooth transition.

Conclusion

ISO/IEC 27701:2025 brings stronger clarity, flexibility, and accountability to privacy management. With heightened global focus on personal data protection, this update helps organizations build trust and stay compliant. Planning early will ensure a seamless shift to the updated standard and continued confidence in privacy governance.