Editor’s note: This is the third in a weeklong series of ISACA Now blog posts sharing guidance on how to start 2025 strong across digital trust professions. Today, we focus on privacy.
Change is the only constant in life, as Heraclitus once said. For privacy professionals, this is not just a philosophical concept but a daily reality. With the rapid rise of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and the ongoing evolution of regulations like the EU AI Act, the data privacy landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace. As we enter 2025, the challenge is not just to keep up, but to lead. To thrive in this dynamic environment, privacy professionals must embrace change, turning both the risks and opportunities into drivers of success.
Here are five strategic approaches to help privacy professionals not only navigate this evolving landscape but also set themselves up for a strong start in the new year:
1. Bridge Privacy, Trust and AI Governance
AI is no longer a niche innovation; it’s driving industries, reshaping business models and introducing unique risks. Systems like generative AI are transforming customer interactions, yet they also raise pressing questions about data usage, transparency and algorithmic bias.
Regulations like the EU AI Act demand a privacy-first approach, with provisions to eliminate high-risk AI systems and implement robust oversight on general-purpose models. But privacy alone isn’t enough; trust must be at the core of AI governance. Organizations that integrate ethical principles into their AI strategies will not only meet compliance requirements but also build long-term relationships with their stakeholders.
What to do: Conduct data privacy impact assessments (DPIAs) tailored to AI projects, focusing on algorithmic fairness, data minimization and ethical risks. Collaborate with AI governance teams to embed Privacy by Design and Ethics by Design into every stage of the AI lifecycle.
2. Adapt to Dynamic Regulations for Dynamic Technologies
The rapid pace of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing has exposed the limits of static regulatory frameworks. Privacy and AI governance require regulations that are adaptive, learning from global precedents and responding to technological momentum rather than resisting it.
The world’s innovation thrives on one common goal: delivering faster, more creative and effective solutions through better technologies. Yet, privacy and regulatory priorities vary across geographies, shaped by diverse mindsets, cultural contexts and legal traditions. This disparity calls for a multidisciplinary, collective approach; one that sees cultural differences not as barriers but as accelerators of innovation in privacy and data management.
As both a tech engineer and a lawyer, I see collaboration across disciplines as the key to success. In this tech-driven era, professionals from all fields must work together, supporting one another in navigating these challenges. Trust and ethical decision-making must anchor this collaboration, ensuring technology serves humanity responsibly. This isn’t just a rule of the game; it’s the game itself.
What to do: Advocate for adaptable regulatory frameworks in industry forums and engage in cross-regional collaborations to harmonize privacy strategies globally. Embed trust as a central theme in privacy initiatives.
3. Leverage Emerging Technologies to Strengthen Privacy and Ethics
Technology is often seen as a double-edged sword in privacy – it introduces new challenges but also provides powerful solutions. Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) like differential privacy, federated learning and homomorphic encryption are increasingly recognized as essential tools for safeguarding sensitive data while enabling innovation. These technologies allow organizations to analyze and share data securely without compromising individual privacy.
As quantum computing moves closer to becoming a reality, the stakes for data protection are rising. Existing encryption methods may become obsolete, leaving sensitive information exposed. Organizations must not only adopt advanced technologies but also ensure their deployment aligns with ethical principles, emphasizing accountability, transparency and fairness. This proactive approach will help organizations build systems that protect privacy rather than inadvertently create new vulnerabilities.
What to do: Pilot PETs in high-risk areas such as sensitive data processing or AI model training. Begin preparing for quantum-resistant encryption to mitigate risks posed by quantum computing advancements. Ensure that every technology investment is guided by ethical considerations, focusing on transparency and a clear commitment to protecting individual rights.
By leveraging emerging technologies responsibly, privacy professionals can turn challenges into opportunities, driving innovation while maintaining trust and upholding ethical values.
4. Embed Privacy by Design and Build a Culture of Awareness
Privacy by Design (PbD) has evolved from a best practice to a regulatory mandate under frameworks like GDPR and the EU AI Act. However, embedding PbD into organizational processes requires more than technical compliance; it demands a cultural shift where privacy becomes an integral part of daily operations and decision-making.
This involves fostering privacy awareness across the entire organization, ensuring that every employee, from developers to executives, understands their role in safeguarding data. By creating a culture of accountability and trust, organizations can go beyond checkboxes and build systems and processes that respect privacy from the ground up.
At the same time, human error remains a leading cause of data breaches. Even the most advanced systems can be undermined without a privacy-aware workforce. To mitigate these risks, organizations must prioritize engaging, real-world training and leadership-driven advocacy for privacy-conscious behavior.
What to do: Embed PbD principles into agile workflows by training teams on privacy impact assessments, secure coding practices and data minimization techniques. By embedding Privacy by Design into workflows and cultivating a culture of awareness, organizations can transform privacy from a compliance requirement into a core value that builds trust and drives sustainable innovation.
Encourage leadership to model privacy-conscious behavior, setting the tone for the rest of the organization and making privacy a shared value.
5. Collaborate Across Borders and Disciplines
Privacy challenges are increasingly global, requiring solutions that transcend borders and disciplines. Whether it’s navigating cross-border data flows, addressing AI ethics, or tackling ransomware threats, collaboration is essential to building resilient and effective privacy frameworks.
To tackle these complex challenges, privacy professionals must actively engage with technologists, regulators, ethicists and peers across industries. By fostering open dialogue, sharing insights, and aligning efforts, organizations can develop innovative solutions that address diverse privacy concerns. At the heart of these collaborations lies trust, bringing together different perspectives and priorities to create shared and sustainable goals.
What to do: Actively engage in international privacy networks and global communities. Participate in discussions, panels and think tanks addressing emerging topics like AI governance, cloud security and ethical data management. Partner with professionals across disciplines – including technologists, legal experts, and ethicists – to create holistic solutions that consider technical, regulatory and cultural nuances. By fostering collaboration and championing unified approaches, privacy professionals can bridge gaps across borders and disciplines, ensuring privacy and innovation move forward hand in hand.
A Bold Vision for Privacy in 2025
This year promises to be transformative for privacy professionals. AI governance, emerging technologies and global regulations will redefine the way we approach data privacy. By embracing adaptable regulations, leveraging technology, fostering a culture of awareness and collaborating globally, we can turn challenges into opportunities.
Diversity in culture, mindset and disciplines can accelerate innovation rather than hinder it. Trust and ethics must anchor these efforts, ensuring technology serves humanity responsibly. It’s time for all privacy and technology professionals to support one another in navigating this tech-driven era. Together, we can shape a future where privacy, trust and progress go hand in hand.
What’s your vision for privacy in 2025? Let’s shape the future together, one innovative step at a time.
