ASEAN and Global Data Protection Law

Data protection law, at present, remains very much a “local” affair with many jurisdictions having enacted their own national laws (the European Union being a notable exception with its General Data Protection Regulation). This presents several challenges to companies and other organisations which operate across multiple jurisdictions.

Our Data Protection, Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice has assisted clients in a range of industries to navigate the complexities of cross-border data protection compliance. We have also advised the data protection authorities of some ASEAN jurisdictions on various issues relating to data protection policy, implementation and enforcement. Where necessary, we work with law firms in other jurisdictions to ensure that our clients legal and compliance needs are fully addressed.

Some of the matters we have advised on include the following:

• Reviewing data protection compliance policies and practices across the ASEAN region or globally;
• Adapting global data protection policies, or developing new policies, for business operations in Singapore and/or the ASEAN region;
• Advising on cross-border data protection issues including cross-border transfers of personal data within ASEAN or globally;
• Advising on data breaches involving multiple jurisdictions, including the applicable reporting and disclosure obligations and remedial actions; and
• International standards and frameworks relating to data protection and cybersecurity including, for example the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules System (CBPRs) and its implementation in Singapore or regionally.

We also monitor developments in ASEAN and global data protection laws to ensure that out clients are kept abreast of key developments and are able to better anticipate changes that may significantly impact their business. The Drew Data Protection and Cybersecurity Academy also provides training on various aspects of global data protection law.

As a testament to our capabilities, we are listed as one of the world’s top 100 data law firms in Global Data Review’s inaugural GDR 100 2021.