Definition
Privacy governance is the framework of policies, procedures, and controls organizations implement to manage and protect personal information throughout its lifecycle. It establishes clear guidelines for data collection, use, storage, sharing, and deletion, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This systematic approach ensures accountability and transparency in how personal data is handled, fostering trust with individuals and stakeholders. For example, a company might establish a privacy governance policy that requires explicit consent before collecting customer email addresses for marketing purposes. This differs from data security, which focuses on protecting data from unauthorized access, while privacy governance addresses the ethical and legal aspects of data handling. Understanding privacy governance is crucial for roles covered by certifications like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and CISSP.