The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has transformed how businesses manage personal data, with non-compliance risking hefty fines. Beyond avoiding penalties, GDPR compliance builds customer trust, loyalty, and reputation. Manual handling of data privacy obligations can be error-prone and costly. Privacy management software simplifies GDPR compliance by automating tasks like data mapping, data subject access request handling, and risk management.
This article reviews the top 10 tools, detailing their features, pricing, and functionality, and highlights CookieYes for dedicated cookie consent compliance with GDPR.
How to choose the best privacy management software for GDPR
Ease of use and integration
- Tools must have user-friendly dashboards to simplify workflows and minimise the learning curve.
- Integration with platforms like CRM, ERP, and cloud services ensures seamless functionality.
Comprehensive compliance features
The software should offer compliance services including but not limited to:
- Consent management: Tools must handle consent management, such as cookie consent, especially for multi-region compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, LGPD).
- Data rights automation: Efficient handling of data deletion, modification, or data subject access requests within regulatory timelines.
- Data mapping: Real-time data inventory to classify and track sensitive data. Read more on GDPR data mapping.
- Privacy impact assessments (PIAs/DPIAs): Risk-based modules to evaluate processing activities. Read more on DPIA.
Customisation and scalability
- Opt for customisable templates and scalable tools to accommodate growth across regions requiring GDPR compliance.
Support and training
- Vendors should offer training modules, webinars, and 24/7 support.
- Advanced tools should provide data protection officer (DPO) assistance and remediation for complex cases.
Pricing transparency
- Look for tools with transparent pricing, including free trials, tiered plans, and fair-value enterprise pricing.
Geolocation and multi-language support
- Ensure tools comply with privacy laws across regions like GDPR in Europe, CCPA in the US, and data protection laws globally.
Top 10 privacy management software for GDPR compliance
Let’s look at some of the best software available for privacy management for GDPR compliance.
CookieYes: a dedicated solution for GDPR cookie privacy management
While not a full-fledged privacy management software, CookieYes focuses exclusively on cookie consent compliance. It simplifies consent collection and management for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ensuring adherence to GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations.
Key Features:
- Customisable cookie banners for GDPR, CCPA, and other regional laws.
- Automated cookie scanning and categorisation.
- Geolocation-specific consent management to address multi-region compliance.
- Real-time analytics to monitor user consent trends.
- Multi-user account management and 2FA login for extra protection.
Pricing: Free trial available; premium plans start at $10/month.
CookieYes is an ideal choice for businesses prioritising cookie consent compliance without needing the broader capabilities of comprehensive privacy management platforms.
OneTrust Privacy Automation
A leader in privacy management software, OneTrust offers end-to-end solutions for data governance, vendor risk, and privacy compliance.
Key Features
- Automated PIAs/DPIAs for high-risk activities.
- Comprehensive data discovery and mapping.
- Centralised dashboards for compliance tracking.
Pricing: Custom enterprise plans.
DataGrail
DataGrail simplifies data privacy management with automated data mapping, DSAR handling, and seamless integration with over 1,900 apps. It ensures compliance with privacy laws, offering real-time reporting and request tracking.
Key Features
- Automated DSAR processing and data discovery.
- Real-time compliance risk assessments.
- Centralised dashboard for privacy program monitoring.
Pricing: Custom plans for enterprises.
Didomi
Didomi simplifies consent management for GDPR compliance across web, mobile, and OTT platforms. It offers customisable consent banners, seamless integrations, and real-time reporting.
Key Features
- Cross-platform consent management for web, apps, and OTT.
- Compliance with GDPR and similar data protection laws.
Pricing: Custom pricing tailored to organisational needs.
Microsoft Priva
Microsoft Priva enhances data privacy management within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, offering tools to identify and mitigate privacy risks while ensuring compliance with GDPR and other regulations. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft workflows to streamline data governance and risk management.
Key Features
- Automated DSAR processing and risk assessments.
- Insights into sensitive data storage and movement.
- Employee reminders for reviewing and deleting obsolete data.
Pricing: Included with Microsoft Enterprise licenses; additional features may require higher-tier plans.
PrivacyEngine
PrivacyEngine is a robust privacy management software designed to help organisations achieve and maintain compliance with GDPR. It offers a user-friendly platform to manage DSARs, perform DPIAs, and monitor data protection activities efficiently.
Key Features
- Automated handling of DSARs and data breach notifications.
- Sensitive data discovery for proactive risk management.
- Customisable templates for privacy programs and reporting.
Pricing: Starts at €4,999/year for 50 users (G2).
TrustArc
TrustArc is a comprehensive privacy management platform that simplifies and automates compliance with global privacy laws like GDPR. It provides end-to-end solutions for managing DSARs, and DPIAs.
Key Features
- Automated consent management with geolocation services.
- Customisable templates for privacy program and compliance workflows.
- Real-time dashboards for tracking privacy risks and regulatory updates.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on modules and services required.
Zendata
Zendata leverages AI to provide advanced data privacy management, focusing on data mapping, DPIAs, and brand risk mitigation. Its platform is designed for quick implementation and ease of use.
Key Features
- AI-powered data mapping with usage classification.
- Tools to identify and mitigate data leakage risks.
- Intuitive dashboards and pre-built integrations for ease of use.
Pricing: Custom pricing is available upon request.
MineOS
MineOS focuses on simplifying data privacy management through automated data mapping, DSAR handling, and sensitive data discovery. Its user-friendly platform enables quick deployment and efficient compliance tracking.
Key Features
- Automated DSAR workflows and data deletion requests.
- Comprehensive data mapping with continuous discovery capabilities.
- Centralised dashboard for managing privacy requests and insights.
Pricing: Custom plans tailored to organisational needs.
Segment by Twilio
Segment by Twilio is a leading customer data platform (CDP) designed to streamline data governance and privacy compliance. It helps organisations collect, unify, and route customer data efficiently, ensuring compliance with GDPR.
Key Features
- Data subject access request (DSAR) support.
- Real-time data processing and customer behaviour tracking.
- Extensive integrations with analytics and marketing platforms.
Pricing: Starts at $120/month; free developer tier available.
How to implement privacy management software in your GDPR strategy?
- Identify gaps in your privacy program or data processing activities and prioritise features like cookie consent, DSAR handling, or risk mitigation.
- List tools that provide the best services and ensure they follow GDPR standards themselves.
- Compare tools features and working via demos or free trials.
- Start with high-priority modules like consent management, DSAR automation or risk assessments.
- Finalise the best one that meets all your compliance requirements.
- Do regular security and monitoring.
- Train employees on compliance protocols and continuously track privacy risks.
Navigating the complexities of GDPR compliance requires reliable software solutions. From CookieYes for cookie consent to OneTrust for data governance, these tools streamline compliance and enhance data security. Choose a tool that aligns with your goals, fosters customer trust, and simplifies your compliance efforts.
FAQ on GDPR privacy management software
GDPR-compliant software helps businesses follow the rules set by GDPR. It’s designed to make it easier to handle tasks like responding to data subject requests, managing user consent, and keeping track of where personal data is stored and used. By automating these processes, the software ensures businesses stay on the right side of the law while protecting customer privacy.
Privacy management software is a tool that helps businesses stay compliant with privacy laws like GDPR, CCPA, and others. It’s like having a digital assistant for managing things like cookie consent, data privacy policies, and customer rights. With features like privacy risk tracking, data mapping, and real-time dashboards, it makes complex compliance tasks simpler, saving time and reducing mistakes.