Data Protection Beyond the GDPR: How to Meet Global and Regional Regulations

Digitization knows no country borders. Cloud services, remote teams, international customers, data flows everywhere.

If you process or store personal data outside the EU, you must check which data protection law applies. The GDPR only covers the European area, but many countries have followed suit:

USA: Consumer Protection Instead of Fundamental Rights

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and its successor, the CPRA, focus on consumer protection, not fundamental rights. Users have the right to know what data is collected and can prohibit the sale of that data.

Example: An e-commerce platform must give US customers the option to request the deletion of their data with a single click – independently of GDPR rules.

Brazil: LGPD with Strong Oversight

The Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD) has been in force since 2020. It closely mirrors the GDPR but requires local representatives in Brazil for foreign companies.

Asia: Rapid Legislation with a Focus on Security

Countries like Japan (APPI) and Singapore (PDPA) prioritize data security and rapid response obligations for data breaches.

Example: In Japan, companies must inform the data protection authority within 72 hours of an incident, similar to the GDPR, but with additional reporting obligations for partner companies.

• Different definitions of terms: "Personal data" is not defined the same way everywhere.
• Multiple jurisdictions: Every country has its own supervisory authorities.
• Technical transfers: Cloud providers often store data in several countries simultaneously.
• Legal uncertainty regarding third-country transfers: Companies had to find new solutions after the end of the Privacy Shield.
• Documentation effort: Each law requires different proof.

Step 1: Create a Data Protection Map

• Record in which countries you store, process, or transfer personal data.
• Tool Tip: heyData offers a central dashboard that automatically recognizes data transfers and locations.

Step 2: Check Country-Specific Requirements

• Compare the most important laws (CCPA, LGPD, APPI, PDPA) and define minimum standards that apply to all.

Step 3: Secure Contracts and Data Flows

• Use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) for international data transfers.

Step 4: Standardize Consent Management Globally

• Design cookie banners, forms, and consent mechanisms to be multilingual and country-compliant.

Step 5: Automate Monitoring

• Use tools that track data protection changes worldwide and automatically document adjustments.

Example: A SaaS company with customers in Europe, the USA, and Brazil uses heyData to manage different consent templates. This allows it to fulfill GDPR, CCPA, and LGPD without duplicate work.

Technology alone is not enough. Data protection thrives on awareness and responsibility.

• Training & Awareness: Employees must know which laws apply and how to handle data securely.

Tip: heyData offers training and awareness programs specifically tailored for international teams.

• Clear Responsibilities: Appoint responsible persons for data protection in each country or market.

Tip: Create reporting lines so that problems are quickly identified and reported.

Global compliance is complex, but it can be automated. AI-supported systems like heyData handle:

• Continuous monitoring of global laws
• Automatic adaptation of policies
• Creation of audit reports
• Notification of legal changes

This significantly saves resources and reduces error rates.

The next few years will bring further tightening:

• AI Act influences the handling of AI data.
• ePrivacy Regulation is intended to regulate tracking even more strictly.
• New international agreements for data transfers between the EU and the USA are emerging (Data Privacy Framework).

Those who invest in structures now will not only remain compliant but also competitive.

Data protection has long ceased to be a regional matter. Whether GDPR, CCPA, or LGPD, all pursue the same goal: the protection of personal data.

Companies that operate internationally require unified processes, clear responsibilities, and automation.

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What does data protection beyond the GDPR mean?
It describes all national and regional data protection laws outside the EU that protect personal data, e.g., CCPA or LGPD.

Which countries have their own data protection laws?
In addition to the EU, the USA (CCPA/CPRA), Brazil (LGPD), Canada (CPPA), Japan (APPI), Singapore (PDPA), and many other countries have now introduced comprehensive data protection laws.

What applies to data transfers to third countries?
Companies must use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or comparable guarantees to ensure protection.

How can data protection be implemented globally?
Through unified policies, automation, continuous monitoring, and employee training.

How does heyData help?
heyData automates data protection processes, creates reports, and informs about worldwide legal changes