Investigating Data Protection Compliance Challenges

Abstract

In today's landscape, safeguarding sensitive data is crucial for Organizations, but navigating data protection regulations and ensuring compliance is increasingly challenging. This research project explores Organizations' hurdles in achieving data protection compliance, offering insights to develop more effective strategies. A survey via Google Forms gathered insights from data protection experts and professionals, revealing key challenges such as difficulty understanding complex regulations, limited resources, and obstacles in implementing compliance measures. The study also reviewed the existing data protection regulatory framework and relevant literature, uncovering a common theme of confusion and a gap between regulatory requirements and practical application across Organizations. The research recognises that data protection extends beyond regulatory compliance, reflecting the evolving expectations of individuals and customers regarding the ethical handling of their data. This underscores the importance of data protection as both a legal and ethical responsibility closely tied to organisational reputation and public trust. The findings highlight the need for more precise, accessible guidelines and support mechanisms to bridge the gap between regulatory demands and organisational implementation. By addressing these challenges, Organizations can strengthen their data protection measures, foster trust, and ensure the security of sensitive information.