We live in an era where information has become a central strategic asset for companies across all sectors. With the acceleration of digital technologies and the expansion of the data economy, a new challenge arises: aligning corporate practices with the demands of an increasingly complex and convergent global regulation. I observe that the preparation for this new phase involves a profound redesign of data governance.
Companies need to understand that regulations are no longer local events but part of an interconnected global ecosystem. The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set the tone in 2018, followed by laws such as the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) in Brazil, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States, the Chinese Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) in China, and more recently advanced discussions on a single regulation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and a review of the GDPR by the European Commission. It is about a new generation of regulations that not only protect personal data but also impose rules on artificial intelligence, international data transfer, and cybersecurity.
Forrester, a research and consulting company, conducted a study showing that 70% of companies plan to expand their data governance to include algorithmic and ethical responsibility, in addition to privacy, revealing that data governance is shifting from being just a compliance function to becoming part of digital trust strategy and brand reputation. A Gartner research study, a research and consulting company in IT and business, emphasized that by 2026, more than 60% of large organizations will have formal AI governance programs, driven precisely by global regulatory pressure.
In this scenario, I see five essential pillars for companies that want resilient and future-ready data governance:
Global governance, local complianceGovernance needs to be thought of in layers. At the top, a unified global framework that establishes general principles for data protection and ethical use, such as transparency, accountability, and privacy by design. In parallel, compliance should be adapted to each jurisdiction. The secret is to accurately map where and how data is processed and to align these operations with local laws, without losing the integrated view of the whole.
Data Stewardship as corporate cultureIt is no longer enough to have a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or a privacy committee. Data governance needs to be cross-functional, involving areas such as IT, legal, compliance, human resources, and marketing. The concept of data stewardship, that is, shared responsibility for data quality and security, should be incorporated into the company's culture. This requires ongoing training and clear accountability metrics.
Resilient technical architectureFrom a technological standpoint, organizations need to invest in architectures that support future regulatory requirements, such as data portability. This means systems with the ability to audit, maintain records, and track data, as well as enforce access and usage policies. The adoption of zero trust-based solutions and advanced encryption will become increasingly mandatory.
Preparation for audits and certificationsThe new regulations indicate a clear trend: increased rigor in enforcement and appreciation of international certifications, such as ISO 27701 and NIST Privacy Framework. Companies that wish to operate globally need to structure processes to respond promptly to regulatory audits and obtain certifications that serve as a compliance seal. This preparation includes everything from automated reports to periodic incident simulations.
Ethics and social responsibility of dataMore than obeying the law, the governance of data in the future will have to meet societal expectations regarding digital ethics. With the advancement of AI and predictive analytics, debates arise about algorithmic discrimination, surveillance, and behavioral manipulation. Companies that proactively position themselves with data ethics committees, clear policies on AI use, and public commitments to protect fundamental rights will have a competitive and reputational advantage over their competitors.
I understand that regulatory compliance is a starting point, not the final destination. The true transformation lies in viewing data governance as a vector of value and trust. The corporations that understand this today will be prepared to navigate safely and with strategic advantage in the global digital economy. The future of data governance does not belong to those who resist regulation, but to those who anticipate it and turn it into a competitive advantage.
