Description

Introduction

Data Protection by Design and by Default is a core principle of the GDPR (Article 25) that requires embedding privacy and data protection measures into systems and processes from the outset. This course provides a deep dive into how organizations can operationalize this principle across software development, infrastructure, and business workflows to ensure compliance and promote user trust.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of GDPR principles

• Familiarity with system design, software development, or IT operations

• Understanding of data lifecycle and security fundamentals

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Article 25 of the GDPR

 1.1 Definition and Legal Foundation
 1.2 Regulatory Expectations and Case Law
 1.3 Implications for Controllers and Processors

2. Principles of Data Protection by Design

 2.1 Privacy Integration in Architecture and Engineering
 2.2 The Seven Foundational Principles of Privacy by Design
 2.3 Aligning Security and Privacy Objectives

3. Data Protection by Default Explained

 3.1 Minimizing Data Collection and Retention
 3.2 Ensuring Default Settings Respect Privacy
 3.3 Limiting Access and Exposure by Default

4. Design Techniques and Best Practices

 4.1 Data Minimization at Input and Storage
 4.2 Pseudonymization and Encryption
 4.3 Role-Based Access and User Consent Interfaces
 4.4 Logging, Monitoring, and Transparency

5. Privacy Engineering in the Software Lifecycle

 5.1 Privacy Requirements in System Specification
 5.2 Secure Coding and Design Patterns
 5.3 Threat Modeling for Personal Data
 5.4 Privacy Testing and Continuous Improvement

6. DPIAs and Risk-Based Design Decisions

 6.1 When and How to Conduct a DPIA
 6.2 Linking Risk Assessments to Technical Design
 6.3 Documenting Mitigations and Design Justifications

7. Real-World Applications and Case Studies

 7.1 Privacy by Design in HealthTech Platforms
 7.2 Smart Devices and Data Protection Defaults
 7.3 Cloud Applications: Privacy-Aware Configurations
 7.4 Lessons from Enforcement Actions

8. Organizational and Cultural Implementation

 8.1 Building a Privacy-First Culture
 8.2 Training Developers and Product Teams
 8.3 Role of DPOs and Cross-Functional Collaboration
 8.4 Policy Templates and Internal Standards

Data protection by design and default is not a checkbox — it’s a mindset. By embedding privacy into system architecture and user experience from the start, organizations reduce compliance risks and improve digital trust. This principle is essential for sustainable, ethical, and lawful innovation under GDPR.