# Best Data Privacy Management Software for Small Business - Page 2 ## How Many Data Privacy Management Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 162 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product:** caralegal (+2.17%) - Among all products in this category, caralegal recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month _Last updated: July 26, 2026_ ## How Does G2 Rank Data Privacy Management Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 3,700+ Authentic Reviews - 162+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## G2 Grid® for Data Privacy Management Software ![G2 Grid® for Data Privacy Management Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=70986&focus%5B%5D=124903&focus%5B%5D=56130&focus%5B%5D=119484&focus%5B%5D=139892&focus%5B%5D=158040&focus%5B%5D=114532&focus%5B%5D=135541) Highlighted products: Clym Inc., DataGuard, TrustArc, Didomi, Ketch, MineOS, Osano, and caralegal. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=clym-inc&focus%5B%5D=dataguard&focus%5B%5D=trustarc&focus%5B%5D=didomi&focus%5B%5D=ketch&focus%5B%5D=mineos&focus%5B%5D=osano&focus%5B%5D=caralegal&segment=small-business) **Sponsored** ### Ketch Ketch is redefining responsible data use for the AI era. The Ketch Platform helps brands collect, control, and activate clean, permissioned, AI-ready and privacy-safe data across every device, system, and third-party app. The Ketch platform includes products for: - Consent and Preference Management - Marketing Preference Management - Data Subject Rights Fulfillment - Data Mapping, Discovery, and Classification - Risk Assessments and Reporting Brands around the world use Ketch to simplify privacy and consent operations, increase revenue from advertising, data, and AI initiatives, and build trust with customers and partners. Customers report their favorite aspects of the Ketch platform include: - Intuitive, easy-to-use interface for non-technical team members. - No coding required for creating policies, building automations, and customizing privacy notices. - Pre-built integration library including popular systems and applications. - Responsive, proactive, and consistent customer support. Learn more at ketch.com. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=2127&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-07-29T12%3A49%3A11Z&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=2127&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=2127&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=139892&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=2127&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fdata-privacy-management%2Fsmall-business%3Fpage%3D2&secure%5Btoken%5D=cecc7f65f16c501c44714f7f8f7587bf6730e1ea8803488b5d0e3d4cb354a2d1&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ketch.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dg2&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url) ### [PrivIQ - Data Privacy and Protection compliance management](https://www.g2.com/products/priviq-data-privacy-and-protection-compliance-management/reviews) PrivIQ is an AI-assisted, human-verified data privacy risk management platform that helps organisations manage privacy compliance across global and practical privacy frameworks. Designed for privacy and compliance teams, DPOs, consultants, legal teams and business leaders, PrivIQ brings the core elements of a privacy programme into one configurable SaaS platform. Teams can manage data mapping, ROPA, privacy notices, DSARs, breach response, policies, processors, consent, risk assessments, evidence and reporting without relying on disconnected spreadsheets or manual oversight. PrivIQ supports organisations from SMBs through to enterprise environments, providing a flexible platform that can be tailored to specific industries, regulations, operating structures and risk frameworks. With support for multiple privacy regulations and use across 36+ countries, PrivIQ helps teams move from fragmented compliance activity to a structured, visible and auditable privacy management programme. Key Features and Benefits 1. Data Mapping & Flow Visualisation Map personal data across departments, systems, purposes, data subject types and third parties. Gain an end-to-end view of where personal data resides, how it moves through the organisation and which processing activities require attention. This supports accurate ROPA records, privacy notices and regulatory accountability. 2. ROPA & Privacy Notice Management Build and maintain Records of Processing Activities and integrated privacy notices in one platform. Create consistent, up-to-date documentation that reflects how personal data is processed, shared and governed across the business. 3. Risk Assessments Run statutory and custom assessments, including DPIAs, TIAs, LIAs, vendor assessments and AI-use risk assessments. PrivIQ supports severity and likelihood scoring, pre- and post-mitigation tracking, monetary risk indicators and control planning, helping teams prioritise risk and monitor remediation progress. 4. DSAR Workflow & Portal Manage the full lifecycle of data subject access requests, including access, correction, deletion and other privacy rights requests. Track deadlines, responsibilities, documentation and audit trails in one structured workflow to support timely, well-documented responses. 5. Breach Response & Register Record, assess and manage privacy incidents and breaches using structured workflows. PrivIQ supports triage, evidence capture, communication records, lessons learned and audit-ready breach documentation so teams can respond with clarity under pressure. 6. Vendor & Processor Management Assess, document and monitor external processors, vendors and third parties that handle personal data. Manage due diligence, contract tracking, reassessments and ongoing compliance checks to strengthen supply chain assurance. 7. Consent Management Create, manage and embed consent forms across websites, emails or apps. Maintain immutable, time-based consent records with a clear audit trail, helping teams prove consent and manage opt-in or opt-out preferences. 8. Policy, Governance & Controls Centralise privacy policies, operational controls, stakeholder communications and acknowledgement tracking. Ensure policies and privacy obligations are consistently applied across teams, departments and jurisdictions. 9. Evidence, Audit & Reporting Generate real-time audit views, compliance scores, risk scores and point-in-time snapshots. PrivIQ gives teams access to audit-ready documentation, immutable records and reporting packs for internal stakeholders, clients and regulators. 10. AI-Assisted, Human-Verified Workflows Use AI assistance to support drafting, assessment preparation, triage and tailored risk framework creation while keeping human review at the centre. This helps teams work faster without losing control, context or accountability. Why Choose PrivIQ? PrivIQ gives privacy and compliance teams a practical way to manage privacy risk across the full programme lifecycle. Instead of working across spreadsheets, static checklists and disconnected tools, teams get one configurable environment for governance, data mapping, assessments, DSARs, breach response, consent, vendor oversight and reporting. The platform is flexible enough for smaller organisations, powerful enough for enterprise programmes and tailorable enough for consultants and privacy advisors who need to build bespoke risk solutions for different clients or industries. PrivIQ combines broad data privacy coverage with AI-assisted efficiency, human verification, multi-regulation support and strong price-to-performance value. It helps teams feel more in control, more audit-ready and better equipped to demonstrate accountability to customers, regulators and stakeholders. **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 44 #### How Do G2 Users Rate PrivIQ - Data Privacy and Protection compliance management? - **Data access governance:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 9.7/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Data Subject Access Requests:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Breach notification:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind PrivIQ - Data Privacy and Protection compliance management? - **Seller:** [PrivIQ](https://www.g2.com/sellers/priviq) - **Company Website:** www.priviq.com - **Year Founded:** 2017 - **HQ Location:** Amsterdam, North Holland - **Twitter:** @priviq1 24 Twitter followers - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=50c21b9a9b0294267021fef6f52ffe56483c83321cdf8959ce5585cd5d391a59&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fpriviq1%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 6 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 46% Medium, 33% Small #### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About PrivIQ - Data Privacy and Protection compliance management? _AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_ ##### Pros - Users find **PrivIQ's ease of use** enhances their compliance management experience, making it efficient and intuitive. - Users appreciate the **user-friendly compliance management** of PrivIQ, enhancing efficiency in managing data privacy and protection. - Users appreciate the **user-friendly interface** of PrivIQ, simplifying compliance management and enhancing overall efficiency. - Users commend the **efficient privacy management** of PrivIQ, simplifying compliance with GDPR and enhancing data protection operations. - Users value the **centralized compliance management** of PrivIQ, ensuring efficient tracking and documentation of data privacy risks. ##### Cons - Users experience **slow performance** with PrivIQ, often facing delays and issues during critical data mapping tasks. - Users express concern about **privacy setting gaps** in PrivIQ, leading to possible digital privacy compromises. - Users face **delays** and slow performance with PrivIQ, hindering a seamless compliance management experience. - Users find the **configuration complex** and experience issues with third-party integrations and customer support responsiveness. - Users face **data management issues** with PrivIQ, particularly with mapping complex data flows in large environments. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of PrivIQ - Data Privacy and Protection compliance management? **["Simple, fast, and smart privacy platform that doesn’t break the bank"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/priviq-data-privacy-and-protection-compliance-management-review-11576378)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Verified User in Consulting_ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/priviq-data-privacy-and-protection-compliance-management-review-11576378) **["PrivIQ makes Data Mapping easy!"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/priviq-data-privacy-and-protection-compliance-management-review-11206950)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Lindsay M._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/priviq-data-privacy-and-protection-compliance-management-review-11206950) ### [DPOnet Privacy Management Software](https://www.g2.com/products/dponet-privacy-management-software/reviews) DPOnet stands at the forefront of empowering enterprises to achieve seamless compliance with data protection and privacy standards. Our cutting-edge platform is a comprehensive Privacy Management Software, leveraging the power of AI and the concept of Privacy by Design to ensure robust consent management and automate data subject requests. Our intuitive interface makes privacy management accessible to all users, regardless of technical expertise. DPOnet prioritizes simplicity without compromising on the sophistication required for effective privacy management. DPOnet adapts to the dynamic nature of your business. Our platform scales effortlessly to accommodate the evolving privacy landscape and can be tailored to fit the unique needs of your organization. DPOnet is designed to meet diverse privacy and data protection needs. Whether it's data management, data mapping, legal compliance, DPO as a Service, 24/7 support team, or policy management – we've got you covered. **Average Rating:** 4.9/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 19 #### How Do G2 Users Rate DPOnet Privacy Management Software? - **Data access governance:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Data Subject Access Requests:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Breach notification:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind DPOnet Privacy Management Software? - **Seller:** [DPOnet](https://www.g2.com/sellers/dponet) - **Year Founded:** 2020 - **HQ Location:** Pompéia, BR - **Twitter:** @dponetbr 1 Twitter followers - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=dbbef30f34b5805ade637d94b1f6e7c83b49d2a491cccef6905a8c2220e4495b&secure%5Burl%5D=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fdponetlgpd&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 64 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Company Size:** 58% Small, 42% Medium #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of DPOnet Privacy Management Software? **["A software for all Companies"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/dponet-privacy-management-software-review-9843965)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Jose L._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/dponet-privacy-management-software-review-9843965) **["DPOnet towards the future."](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/dponet-privacy-management-software-review-9618762)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Marcelo O._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/dponet-privacy-management-software-review-9618762) ### [Privacy1](https://www.g2.com/products/privacy1/reviews) Privacy1 is a software company in Stockholm and London that develops technologies for practical management of personal data. Our mission is to be an enabler to make data protection easier and accessible to all sizes of business and organisations. Our zero trust privacy solution allow you to secure protect the actual personal data in your environment that helps you prevent breach and control data flows to cross border processors. Our GDPR compliance suite provides all the components that businesses need as standard including data mapping, Pre DPIA, Full Impact assessment, Cookie Management, Privacy Policy management and Governance. Our Privacy Navigator is unique and will help you identify risks, compliance gaps and holes in your privacy stance across the business, it gives you a plan to resolve them and a platform to iteratively improve maturity and show accountability, even if you are not a GDPR expert. With a vision to provide solutions to help companies and governments protect personal data, manage their compliance and demonstrate accountability to ensure they can fulfil their privacy promises and meet regulatory obligations. Privacy1 is about building trust through better data privacy practises and technology for the advantage of all. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 87 #### How Do G2 Users Rate Privacy1? - **Data access governance:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 7.6/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Data Subject Access Requests:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Breach notification:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind Privacy1? - **Seller:** [Privacy1](https://www.g2.com/sellers/privacy1) - **Year Founded:** 2018 - **HQ Location:** Stockholm, SE - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=6dba115cfd283ad19fc295cf7107383fc730b98c4185cc002ca318a744e667e6&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F35437546&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 2 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 38% Small, 34% Medium #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Privacy1? **["Best product in the market and Highly recommended"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/privacy1-review-7327405)** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars _— Nagraj T._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/privacy1-review-7327405) **["Data Security Ensured"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/privacy1-review-8285389)** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars _— Chinmay B._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/privacy1-review-8285389) #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Privacy1? - [What are the benefits and challenges of using Privacy1 for data privacy management?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-benefits-and-challenges-of-using-privacy1-for-data-privacy-management) ### [Risk Ledger](https://www.g2.com/products/risk-ledger/reviews) Risk Ledger is a pioneering third-party risk management platform that revolutionises supply chain security through a powerful, unified solution. By onboarding and connecting your entire supply chain into an active network, Risk Ledger provides real-time insights to identify concentration risks and emerging threats. Our dynamic network-based model offers a clear view of your entire supply chain, enhancing your ability to visualise and manage risks effectively. With immediate access to a vast, trusted supplier network and continuously updated risk assessments, Risk Ledger streamlines risk management processes, reduces manual workload, and empowers you with unparalleled clarity and control across all supply chain tiers. Join 10,000+ organisations on the Risk Ledger network today. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 126 #### How Do G2 Users Rate Risk Ledger? - **Data access governance:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Data Subject Access Requests:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Breach notification:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind Risk Ledger? - **Seller:** [Risk Ledger](https://www.g2.com/sellers/risk-ledger) - **Company Website:** www.riskledger.com - **Year Founded:** 2018 - **HQ Location:** London, GB - **Twitter:** @riskledger 632 Twitter followers - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=3a60eed09d6343780765c24f91054590fc1fa7551766f14750008f69f189aec8&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Frisk-ledger%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 90 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 47% Medium, 29% Small #### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Risk Ledger? _AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_ ##### Pros - Users find the **ease of use** in Risk Ledger enhances their experience, making navigation and form filling effortless. - Users value the **centralized management of third-party cyber risks** in Risk Ledger, enhancing transparency and simplifying assessments. - Users value the **time-saving nature** of Risk Ledger, streamlining risk assessments and supplier onboarding efficiently. - Users find that Risk Ledger enhances **efficiency** in supplier onboarding and risk assessment through centralised profiles and streamlined workflows. - Users appreciate the **centralized security management** of Risk Ledger, enhancing transparency and simplifying third-party risk assessments. ##### Cons - Users find the **complex setup** challenging, especially for non-tech individuals, impacting the overall usability of Risk Ledger. - Users find the **onboarding process clunky** and face challenges, especially if they're not tech-savvy. - Users find the **difficult setup** of Risk Ledger to be time-consuming and less intuitive for new users. - Users find the **poor interface design** of Risk Ledger slows down navigation and makes initial setup cumbersome. - Users find the **time-consuming setup** process challenging, often leading to frustration and inefficiency during initial use. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Risk Ledger? **["Effective tool for centralized risk management"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/risk-ledger-review-10742905)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Gonzalo A._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/risk-ledger-review-10742905) **["RiskLedger: The perfect Vendor Risk Management tool"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/risk-ledger-review-11408593)** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars _— Rohit B._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/risk-ledger-review-11408593) - [‹ Prev‹ Prev](/categories/data-privacy-management/small-business?order=g2_score#product-list) - [1](/categories/data-privacy-management/small-business?order=g2_score#product-list) - 2 - Next ›Next › Spotlight Categories [Procure to Pay Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/procure-to-pay) [Zero Trust Networking Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/zero-trust-networking) [Relational Databases](https://www.g2.com/categories/relational-databases) [AI Sales Assistant Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/ai-sales-assistant) [Partner Relationship Management (PRM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/partner-relationship-management-prm) Similar Categories - [Consent Management Platform (CMP)](/categories/consent-management-platform-cmp) - [Cookie Tracking](/categories/cookie-tracking) - [Data Breach Notification](/categories/data-breach-notification) - [Data Clean Room](/categories/data-clean-room) - [Data De-Identification](/categories/data-de-identification) - [Data Subject Access Request (DSAR)](/categories/data-subject-access-request-dsar) - [Employee Identity Theft Protection](/categories/employee-identity-theft-protection) - [Identity Verification](/categories/identity-verification) - [Other Privacy](/categories/other-privacy) - [Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA)](/categories/privacy-impact-assessment-pia) - [Privacy Policy Generator](/categories/privacy-policy-generator) - [Sensitive Data Discovery](/categories/sensitive-data-discovery) - [Website Privacy Auditing Tools](/categories/website-privacy-auditing-tools) [Browse Data Privacy Management Themes](/categories/data-privacy-management/themes) ![Brandon Summers-Miller](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Brandon Summers-Miller") BS Researched and written by [Brandon Summers-Miller](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/brandon-summers-miller) Updated Products classified in the overall Data Privacy Management category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, small business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Small Business Data Privacy Management to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Small Business Data Privacy Management category. In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the Data Privacy Management Software category, to qualify for inclusion in the Small Business Data Privacy Management Software category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a small business. Show More * * * ## How Do You Choose the Right Data Privacy Management Software? ### What You Should Know About Data Privacy Management Software ### What is Data Privacy Management Software? Data privacy management software helps companies comply with global data privacy regulations such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Brazil's Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD), and many such privacy regulations. The central functions of this software revolve around assisting companies in locating sensitive data such as personally identifiable information and responding to customer requests within legally mandated time frames. Key Benefits of Data Privacy Management Software - Assist companies in discovering, mapping, and classifying their sensitive data either through automated discovery or via manual surveys administered by workflows - Include consumer or data subject access request (DSAR) workflow functions to ensure the company responds to the requester within the legally mandated time frame - Integrate with other tools to provide any additional features such as identity verification, de-identification or pseudonymity, privacy impact assessments (PIA), breach notification, consent management, or website tracker scanning ### Why Use Data Privacy Management Software? Data privacy management software is used by companies to manage their privacy programs to comply with global privacy laws such as GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, among other privacy regulations. In particular, this software helps companies process, within legally mandated time frames, their DSAR or consumer requests to access, port, or delete the personal data a company holds on them as allowed under the relevant privacy regulations. To comply with data privacy regulations, companies must first locate the PII that they store or have access to. Data privacy management software includes functions to help discover such sensitive data. ### Who Uses Data Privacy Management Software? Companies that are subject to global data privacy laws use data privacy management software. The applicability of data privacy regulations differs per regulation but typically, mid-size and larger for-profit businesses are subject to these regulations. Nonprofit and small companies are frequently exempted, but it is a good practice to consult the specific regulation for applicability to a particular business or organization. Within companies, the teams, departments, and common titles of staff managing privacy programs vary greatly. Privacy professionals may work under the legal department, in regulatory compliance, information security, information technology (IT), and corporate ethics. Other areas where privacy staff may be employed are marketing departments. This function can also be outsourced to a privacy service provider. Irrespective of who is managing the privacy program within a company, employees from several departments across the business are often required to be involved in complying with data privacy regulations. IT staff may be tasked with locating consumer data; security teams may be required to protect PII and other sensitive data; legal and compliance staff may need to confirm that contacts and other legal obligations are met; employees in the marketing department may be responsible to ensure that consumer consent preferences are managed properly. ### Kinds of Data Privacy Management Software Data privacy management software is a relatively new addition to the technology solutions landscape and hence, many vendors in this space are only a few years old. Given how new this area is, companies are rapidly improving their offerings and technology solutions for their customers. At present, the main differentiators of this software involve which data privacy regulation compliance it supports and how the software discovers sensitive data. **Regulation-specific software —** Many data privacy management software tailor their solution to a specific privacy regulation. For example, the more mature software markets focus on GDPR-related data privacy compliance as it was one of the first robust data privacy legislation. Other software providers tailor their solutions to meet [CCPA](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/ccpa-program-management) or [LGPD](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/lgpd-program-management) compliance. Some data privacy management solutions are regulation agnostic and can be tailored to fit any privacy regulation; these flexible solutions may be particularly helpful in addressing state-specific or local privacy regulations. [**Automated**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/automated) **vs.** [**manual**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/manual) **data discovery —** The first steps for privacy compliance require an understanding of where a company’s sensitive data, such as PII, protected health information (PHI), payment card industry (PCI) data, intellectual property (IP), and other important business data is stored across multiple company systems including databases, applications, and on user endpoints. Data privacy management software includes methods to locate this data either with manual surveys or automated discovery. - **Manual surveys —** One method to uncover where a company stores sensitive data is to ask company employees who manage data where sensitive data is stored. This requires staff to manually fill out surveys or excel spreadsheets. Some data privacy management software providers offer prebuilt survey templates and workflow tools to administer this tedious process. - **Automated discovery —** Automated sensitive data discovery tools connect to a company’s databases, applications, and other data repositories and crawl for, identify, and classify sensitive data automatically. These tools offer up-to-date reports which can be beneficial when responding to auditor or data subject access requests. Many of these tools offer visual representations of the data so the user can see where the overall data is stored geographically and also create a map of an individual data subject. ### Data Privacy Management Software Features The main functionality of data privacy management software revolves around sensitive data discovery and mapping, DSAR management (or consumer request management), and consent management. The software often provides additional functionality or integrates with separate solutions to offer a host of other useful features. Some of the main features of data privacy management software include: **Sensitive data discovery and mapping —** Sensitive data discovery functions help businesses locate sensitive data stored across company systems and map the use of that data. **Data subject access request (DSAR) management —** DSAR software provides a DSAR intake form to accept data subject’s request to access, port, or delete their PII; provide a centralized view of all DSARs in process; alert administrators when it is getting close to the legally mandated response time; provide workflow tools to process DSARs across the organization; help with reporting tools and logs. Some tools also offer an encrypted communication portal to securely communicate and transfer DSAR data to a data subject. **Consent management —** Consent management is increasingly becoming an important feature of data privacy management software as many data privacy regulations require either opt-in or opt-out consent from users before collecting, using, sharing, or selling their data. These features help companies obtain, track, manage, and update their user consent preferences to adhere to privacy regulations. #### Additional Data Privacy Management Features **Vendor assessment management —** Helps companies understand and determine risks associated with sharing sensitive data with their third-party vendors. [**Cookie compliance**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/cookie-tracker) **—** Allows companies to ensure the cookies and other trackers they use on their website comply with user consents. [**Data breach**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/data-breach) **notification —** Assists companies in informing end users if their information has been compromised in a data breach. [**Identity verification**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/id-verification) **—** Helps companies authenticate the identity of a consumer prior to processing a DSAR. **Data de-identification or pseudonymity —** Reduces the risk of holding PII and other sensitive data by pseudonymizing the data. [**Privacy impact assessments (PIA)**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/pia) **—** Helps companies go through the steps of a privacy impact assessment, as required by some data privacy regulations. **Legal information libraries —** Provides an up-to-date library of information on data privacy laws and regulations that a company is subjected to, based on their location, size, with whom the company does business, and other determining factors. ### Trends Related to Data Privacy Management Software **Legislation-agnostic solutions —** Given that additional privacy laws may come into force in the near future, especially at a state level, complying with multiple laws can become laborious. While legislation-specific software has a place today, we may continue to see a trend of privacy-regulation agnostic solutions that can be tailored for any kind of privacy regulation. **Automated data discovery —** Some data privacy solutions offer manual data discovery tools while others offer automated functions. From an industry perspective, a number of vendors have made investments in developing automated data discovery. Hence, this method may be more common as the software market develops. Typically, the software with a prior legal or GRC-related origin tends to offer manual data discovery tools, while software that has security-based origins provide automated data discovery tools. For small businesses or businesses with a low amount of sensitive data, survey-based tools may be sufficient for now. Survey-based sensitive data discovery is also a way to find data that may live on legacy systems or in applications that cannot be discovered using an automated method, such as paper files. For large enterprises and companies that have embraced the digital transformation or are digital natives, however, automated discovery would be easy to add to the mix of other software as a service (SaaS) products. ### Software and Services Related to Data Privacy Management Software Data privacy management software may either contain multiple modules to address the following needs or integrate with the separate software solutions to do so. [**Sensitive data discovery software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/sensitive-data-discovery) **—** Sensitive data discovery software helps businesses locate sensitive data—such as PII, PHI, PCI data, IP, and other important business data—stored across multiple company systems including databases and applications as well as on user endpoints. [**Identity verification software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-verification) **—** Identity verification software helps ensure a person or an online user is who they say they are in reality. Prior to processing a consumer’s request to access, port, or delete the data a company holds on them, it is important that the company verify the consumer’s identity. [**Consent management platform**](https://www.g2.com/categories/consent-management-platform-cmp) **—** Consent management platforms help companies obtain and manage user consent when collecting, sharing, buying, or selling their data online. [**Data subject access request (DSAR) software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-subject-access-request-dsar) **—** DSAR software helps companies comply with user requests to access or delete PII that a company stores on individuals, as mandated by [GDPR](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/gdpr-program-management), CCPA, and other privacy regulations. DSAR tools help ensure requests are fulfilled within the mandated response time frame, offer workflows to help people across an organization, collaborate on locating data, and ultimately provide the data to the requesting user. [**Cookie and website tracker scanning software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/cookie-and-website-tracker-scanning) **—** Cookie and tracker scanning software scans websites to identify and list what cookies, beacons, tags, tracking pixels, local objects, and other website tracking technologies (such as plugins or integrated content like videos) are present. This allows companies to disclose those trackers to users, gain user tracking consent, and ultimately comply with privacy regulations such as GDPR and ePrivacy that require user consent before enabling cookies. [**Privacy policy generator software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/privacy-policy-generator) **—** Generally, any company that collects PII, including email addresses or cookie data, should have a [privacy policy](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-privacy-management/f/privacy-policy) in place. [**Privacy impact assessment (PIA) software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/privacy-impact-assessment-pia) **—** PIA software facilitates the operationalization of the privacy impact assessment process, especially when handling complex organizations, policies, or systems at scale, thus reducing the amount of time spent conducting PIAs. [**Encryption software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/encryption) **—** Encryption software uses cryptography to mask files, text, and data, protecting information from undesired parties. [**Data masking software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-masking) **—** Data masking software protects an organization’s important data by disguising it with random characters or other data in a way that it is still usable by the organization but not external entities. [**Data de-identification/pseudonymity software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-de-identification-pseudonymity) **—** Data de-identification/pseudonymization software allows companies to use realistic, but not personally identifiable datasets. This protects the anonymity of data subjects whose personal identifying data, such as names, dates of birth, and other identifiers are in the dataset. De-identification or pseudonymity solutions help companies derive value from datasets without compromising the privacy of the data subjects in a given dataset. [**Data breach notification software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-breach-notification) **—** In the event of a data breach, data breach notification software helps companies document the breach, report to supervisory authorities as required by law, and notify impacted individuals.