General idea : develop a research so auditors will have a privacy-centric audit framework that will significantly increase validation of the privacy claims behind services.
Useful links
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Original concept [2023]: link
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@Dragon_MF’s update: link
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Below is @ngerald11 facilitation framework based on my brief
"Concept: Privacy Audit Framework (PAF)
- Core Objectives
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Standardization: Create a universally recognized framework for assessing privacy practices in B2B organizations.
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Transparency: Provide clear, actionable insights into privacy risks and compliance gaps.
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Trust: Enable organizations to demonstrate their commitment to privacy, fostering trust with partners and customers.
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Continuous Improvement: Encourage ongoing privacy maturity through repeatable audits and benchmarking.
- Key Components of the Framework
A. Standardized Privacy Audit Checklist
The checklist would cover both technical privacy features and data aggregation practices, divided into categories such as:
Data Collection & Consent Management
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Are data collection practices transparent and lawful?
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Is consent obtained, stored, and managed in compliance with regulations?
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Are data minimization principles followed?
Data Storage & Encryption
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Is data encrypted at rest and in transit?
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Are access controls and authentication mechanisms robust?
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Is data retention aligned with regulatory requirements?
Data Sharing & Third-Party Management
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Are third-party data processors vetted for privacy compliance?
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Are data-sharing agreements in place and regularly reviewed?
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Is data anonymized or pseudonymized before sharing?
User Rights & Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs)
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Can the organization efficiently handle DSARs (e.g., access, deletion, correction)?
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Are processes in place to verify requester identity?
Incident Response & Breach Management
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Is there a documented and tested incident response plan?
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Are breaches reported to regulators and affected parties within required timelines?
Privacy by Design & Default
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Are privacy considerations integrated into product development?
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Are default settings privacy-preserving?
Employee Training & Awareness
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Are employees/users trained on privacy policies and procedures?
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Is there a culture of privacy within the organization?
B. Risk Assessment & Scoring System
Risk Levels: Each item on the checklist is assessed as High, Medium, or Low risk based on:
Likelihood of occurrence
Potential impact on data subjects and the organization
Numerical Scoring: Alternatively, use a points-based system (e.g., 0-100) to provide a quantifiable privacy maturity score.
80-100: Excellent (minimal risk, fully compliant)
60-79: Good (minor gaps, low risk)
50-59: Fair (moderate risk, requires improvement)
Below 50: Poor (significant risk, non-compliant)
C. Deliverable: Privacy Audit Report
Executive Summary: High-level overview of findings, risk levels, and overall score.
Detailed Findings: Breakdown of each checklist item, including evidence, risk assessment, and recommendations.
Action Plan: Prioritized steps to address gaps and improve privacy practices.
Compliance Status: Alignment with major privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
Benchmarking: Comparison against industry averages or previous audit results.
…3. Implementation Strategy
A. Certification & Accreditation
Establish an independent governing body that is able to to oversee and ascertain check & balance for the PAF framework.
Develop a certification program for Privacy Assurance Specialists.
Accredit organizations that meet the PAF standards, allowing them to display a Privacy Assurance Mark.
B. Market Adoption
Partner with industry associations, communities, and privacy-focused organizations to promote the framework.
Offer tiered pricing for audits (e.g., basic, advanced, enterprise) to accommodate organizations of all sizes.
Provide templates and tools to help organizations prepare for audits.
C. Continuous Evolution
Regularly update the framework to reflect new regulations, technologies, and emerging privacy risks.
Incorporate feedback from auditors and audited organizations to improve the framework."