Data Privacy, GDPR, Privacy

10 Privacy Questions Every CEO Should Be Asking Now

July 1, 2025

In today’s data-driven economy, privacy risks are business risks. Chief Executive Officer (CEOs) can no longer delegate privacy to Information Technology (IT) or legal teams alone. With laws like the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA), and emerging federal proposals such as the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA), accountability starts at the top.

Here are 10 critical privacy questions every CEO should be asking now—and why they matter.

1️. Do we know what personal data we collect—and why?

Why this matters: Without a clear inventory of what personal data you collect, where it lives, and why it’s needed, you can’t ensure lawful, secure processing. Data mapping is foundational for compliance with laws like the PRA and the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). It also prevents overcollection, which increases risk if data is exposed.

➡ Source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission – Protecting Consumer Privacy

2️. Are we complying with all applicable privacy laws (state, federal, international)?

Why this matters: Privacy law in the U.S. is complex and fragmented. A business may operate in one state but collect data from consumers in others, triggering multiple laws. Failing to comply can lead to fines, lawsuits, and reputational harm. CEOs need assurance that compliance programs aren’t “one-size-fits-all” but tailored to where customers and employees reside.

➡ Source: IAPP US State Privacy Legislation Tracker

3️. Do we have a documented data subject rights process?

Why this matters: Data subjects (customers, employees) have rights under the CPRA and the GDPR—including the right to access, delete, or correct their data. Regulators expect you to process these requests quickly and consistently. Failing to do so not only violates the law but erodes trust.

➡ Source: California Privacy Protection Agency – CPRA Rights

4️. Are our third-party vendors privacy-compliant?

Why this matters: Data breaches and privacy violations often come from vendors (e.g., cloud providers, Software as a Service (SaaS) tools). If a vendor mishandles data, your company is still liable. CEOs must ensure vendor contracts include privacy protections, and vendors are regularly assessed for risk.

➡ Source: NIST – Supply Chain Risk Management

5️. Have we integrated privacy into our product and service design?

Why this matters: Known as Privacy by Design, this means building privacy safeguards into products and services at every stage—not patching them in later. It reduces risk, speeds up compliance reviews, and builds customer trust. CEOs should demand privacy as a design requirement, not a last-minute legal hurdle.

➡ Source: Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario – Privacy by Design

6️. Do we minimize data collection and retention?

Why this matters: Collecting and storing unnecessary data increases your risk in a breach and adds to compliance complexity. CEOs should champion data minimization to lower exposure and show customers you respect their data. Retention policies help ensure data is deleted when no longer needed, reducing storage costs and legal risk.

➡ Source: DHS – Data Minimization

7️. How are we training employees on privacy and data protection?

Why this matters: Even with great policies, employees can accidentally cause privacy breaches through errors or misunderstanding. CEOs should ensure regular, practical training so employees know how to handle data, recognize risks, and act responsibly.

➡ Source: FTC – Start with Security

8️. Do we have a tested privacy incident response plan?

Why this matters: When—not if—a breach happens, regulators and customers expect swift, coordinated action. CEOs must ensure the company has a plan that covers legal notification timelines, regulator communications, and consumer protections, and that the plan is regularly tested.

➡ Source: NIST Incident Handling Guide

9️. Are we transparent with customers about our privacy practices?

Why this matters: A vague or outdated privacy policy can get your company fined—and turn customers away. CEOs should personally review how privacy commitments are communicated, ensuring they are accurate, plain-language, and accessible.

➡ Source: FTC – Privacy Policy Guidance

10. Are we ready for what’s next in privacy law?

Why this matters: The privacy landscape is changing fast. With the APRA and other federal proposals under debate, CEOs must be proactive. Companies that monitor and adapt early will avoid costly last-minute scrambles—and position themselves as trustworthy leaders.

➡ Source: Congress.gov – American Privacy Rights Act draft