Description

Introduction

Data privacy laws are evolving globally, with numerous countries enacting frameworks to protect individuals’ personal data. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is often viewed as the gold standard. However, other regions have developed their own laws, including California’s CCPA/CPRA, Brazil’s LGPD, and Canada’s PIPEDA, among others.

This course offers a comparative overview of these major privacy laws, helping businesses understand how they align, where they differ, and how to build a unified compliance strategy.

Prerequisites

• Foundational understanding of data privacy and protection

• Familiarity with GDPR principles

• Some experience in compliance, legal, or data governance roles

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Global Privacy Regulations

 1.1 The Global Rise of Privacy Laws
 1.2 Drivers Behind Data Protection Regulations
 1.3 Key Terminology Across Jurisdictions

2. The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

 2.1 Scope and Applicability
 2.2 Core Principles (Lawfulness, Transparency, etc.)
 2.3 Data Subject Rights
 2.4 Enforcement and Penalties

3. The CCPA/CPRA (California Consumer Privacy Act / Rights Act)

 3.1 Applicability Criteria
 3.2 Consumer Rights (Access, Deletion, Opt-Out)
 3.3 Differences from GDPR
 3.4 Impact on U.S. Businesses

4. The LGPD (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados – Brazil)

 4.1 Overview and Applicability
 4.2 Data Subject Rights and Legal Bases
 4.3 Role of Brazil’s ANPD
 4.4 Similarities to GDPR

5. Other Global Frameworks

 5.1 PIPEDA (Canada)
 5.2 POPIA (South Africa)
 5.3 PDPB (India – upcoming)
 5.4 China’s PIPL and Cybersecurity Law
 5.5 OECD Privacy Guidelines and APEC Framework

6. Comparative Analysis: GDPR vs. Other Laws

 6.1 Scope: Territorial Reach and Applicability
 6.2 Consent and Legal Basis Requirements
 6.3 Data Subject Rights: Access, Portability, Deletion
 6.4 Data Protection Officers and Governance
 6.5 Enforcement, Fines, and Regulatory Bodies

7. Operational and Compliance Differences

 7.1 Cookie Management and Consent Banners
 7.2 Data Breach Notification Timelines
 7.3 Cross-Border Data Transfers
 7.4 Vendor and Processor Obligations

8. Building a Unified Global Privacy Program

 8.1 Frameworks for Harmonization
 8.2 Risk-Based Approach to Global Compliance
 8.3 Privacy by Design Across Jurisdictions
 8.4 Creating a Centralized Governance Structure

In today’s interconnected world, data privacy is no longer confined to national borders. While the GDPR set a comprehensive precedent for modern privacy legislation, other jurisdictions have introduced their own frameworks—each with unique requirements and enforcement models. The California CCPA/CPRA emphasizes consumer rights and opt-outs; Brazil’s LGPD mirrors GDPR closely but adds local nuances; Canada’s PIPEDA, China’s PIPL, and South Africa’s POPIA continue to shape privacy expectations in their regions.

Despite differences, these laws share common themes: transparency, individual rights, consent, and accountability. For global businesses, understanding these overlaps and distinctions is critical to reducing compliance risk and building trust with users. Harmonizing privacy practices through a unified data governance strategy not only simplifies operations but also strengthens organizational resilience amid evolving regulatory landscapes.

As more countries adopt privacy laws and enforce compliance rigorously, organizations must remain agile—continuously updating policies, training teams, and leveraging technology to meet obligations. This course equips professionals with the insights needed to navigate the global privacy mosaic confidently and responsibly.