Data Privacy Regulations: What Engineers Must Know
Data Privacy Regulations: What Engineers Must Know Data privacy rules shape how we design and ship software. For engineers, understanding these regulations helps avoid costly rewrites and protects users. The landscape differs by region, but the main ideas are the same: collect only what you need, explain why you use it, and keep data safe. Clear data practices also build user trust and simplify audits. Key frameworks to know include GDPR (EU) and CPRA (California), plus sector rules like HIPAA and PIPEDA. GDPR requires a legal basis for processing, rights for data subjects, and privacy by design. It also limits data transfers unless safeguards are in place. CPRA adds opt-out tools and stricter handling of sensitive data. Even if you ship globally, these principles guide good engineering: map data flows, set retention, and implement strong security controls. ...