The landscape of data protection and privacy continues to expand, and with that expansion comes increased scrutiny and the promise of increased enforcement. 2025 will mark a convergence of the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI); a growing understanding of, and desire to exercise, consumer rights and protections; and new legislation, meaning increased regulatory enforcement is inevitable. Organizations will likely need to expand their privacy compliance protocols sooner rather than later. The new year means increased data protection obligations and stronger penalties for noncompliance.

Key Factors Driving Increased Enforcement

Advancing technology. AI systems are becoming more advanced and more intermingled with human life. These solutions are processing massive amounts of personal data from various sources, automatically in most cases. The number of ingestion points and the volume of data required for AI functionality have created concerns around the collection and application of personal data in AI systems. AI’s complex data-processing capabilities make it difficult to establish and exercise data subject rights. Thus, regulators have developed enforcement strategies to ensure required consents, opt-in/opt-out options, limitations on data access, and enhanced transparency in data usage. The risks to individuals are baked into compliance processes from end to end.

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Melissa Paulk

Melissa Paulk serves as director, data privacy and security solutions at QuisLex. Paulk specializes in data privacy and complex technology transactions and currently advises corporate clients on building strong privacy programs.

Cybersecurity
Governance/Regulation & Compliance
Best Practices