ISO/IEC 27701: 2025- What’s changed and why UK and EU businesses should care? 

ISO has revised the privacy information management standard (PIMS): ISO/IEC 27701: 2025 (the second edition) replaces the 2019 version and brings important structural and practical changes. The update shifts privacy from being an ‘extension’ of information security management system (ISMS) to a more independent and stand-alone management system for privacy and data protection. This standard lays out clear controls for demonstrating accountability, map to regulation and manage personal data risks effectively.

In this article I am explaining the principal changes introduced in the 2025 revision and outline how UK and EU businesses can benefit.

1. Stand-alone Privacy Information Management System:

Unlike the 2019 version, ISO/IEC 27001: 2025 can now operate independently of ISO/IEC 27001 (ISMS). Organizations can certify a PIMS without first implementing ISMS, making the standard more accessible to SMEs and privacy critical entities.

2. Enhanced integration with Cybersecurity and Privacy:

The revised title: ‘Information Security, Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection’- reflects closer alignment between data protection and cybersecurity framework. It embeds privacy by design principle within cybersecurity controls, ensuring more coherent governance.

3. Clearer Mapping to Legal and Regulatory Obligations:

ISO/IEC 27701:2025 provides explicit guidance for mapping privacy controls to legal requirements of UK GDPR and EU GDPR. It also complements emerging regulations such as EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), NIS 2 Directive, Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) (there is a separate ISO standard for AI management systems: ISO 42001:2023).

4. Greater Emphasis on Accountability and Third Party Oversight:

This update strengthens requirements around roles and responsibilities, data processor management and cross border data transfers.

Why businesses should get ISO 27701: 2025 certification?

The revision of ISO 27701 standard offers an opportunity to improve privacy and resilience obligations within a single, auditable management system. For UK and EU organisations -particulary organisations that are handling large volumes of personal data and special categories of data such as finance, healthcare and technology- early adoption of the standard will:

1. Improve regulatory confidence

2. Improve stakeholder trust through internationally recognised certification

3. Ensure readiness for the next wave of digital resilience legislations.

How can businesses achieve ISO 27701:2025?

1. Conduct ISO 27701: 2025 Gap Analysis

2. Bridge the gaps with ISO 27701:2025 Implementation Project

3. Conduct an Internal Audit

4. Address Non Conformities and Opportunities for Improvements

5. Apply for certification