SOC 2 vs GDPR: How They Work Together to Protect Customer Data
In today’s digital economy, data protection has become a cornerstone of trust between businesses and their customers. Two of the most common frameworks companies encounter are SOC 2 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
While both aim to protect data, they are not the same. SOC 2 is a voluntary compliance standard, while GDPR is a legal requirement in the European Union. Together, however, they create a powerful combination for safeguarding information, winning customer trust, and maintaining regulatory alignment.
This article explores the differences, similarities, and benefits of aligning SOC 2 compliance with GDPR obligations, and how GRC frameworks support both.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It evaluates how companies protect customer data across five Trust Services Criteria (TSC):
- Security
- Availability
- Processing Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
SOC 2 audits—conducted by independent auditors—verify that an organization has effective policies, procedures, and controls in place to protect client data.
- Type I: Evaluates the design of controls at a point in time.
- Type II: Tests control effectiveness over a longer period (usually 6–12 months).
For many technology and SaaS providers, SOC 2 is a requirement for doing business with enterprise customers.
What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a data privacy law enacted by the European Union in 2018. It applies to any organization—inside or outside the EU—that processes personal data of EU citizens.
GDPR is not optional. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, including fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
GDPR requirements include:
- Data Subject Rights – Individuals have the right to access, correct, and erase their personal data.
- Consent – Organizations must obtain clear consent before processing personal information.
- Data Breach Notification – Companies must report breaches within 72 hours.
- Data Minimization – Only necessary data should be collected and processed.
- Accountability – Organizations must document policies, security measures, and processing activities.
SOC 2 vs GDPR: Key Differences
While SOC 2 and GDPR share the goal of protecting data, they differ in scope and approach.
| Aspect | SOC 2 | GDPR |
| Type | Voluntary compliance framework | Mandatory law (EU regulation) |
| Focus | Internal controls around data security, confidentiality, and privacy | Individual privacy rights and lawful processing of personal data |
| Applicability | Primarily U.S.-based standard but recognized globally | Applies to any company handling EU personal data |
| Enforcement | Independent third-party auditors | Government regulators and data protection authorities |
| Penalty for Non-Compliance | Loss of business opportunities | Fines up to €20M or 4% of revenue |
In short: SOC 2 proves you have secure processes, GDPR ensures you respect individual rights.
How SOC 2 and GDPR Work Together
While different, SOC 2 and GDPR often complement each other. Many organizations pursue both to demonstrate robust security and compliance.
- Privacy Overlap: SOC 2’s Privacy criterion aligns with GDPR requirements for data protection, consent, and retention.
- Security Measures: Both require strong access controls, encryption, and incident response processes.
- Accountability and Documentation: SOC 2 evidence collection supports GDPR’s requirement to document processing activities and safeguards.
- Customer Trust: SOC 2 compliance builds credibility with business customers, while GDPR compliance builds trust with consumers.
By aligning the two, organizations reduce redundancy and make audits more efficient.
The Role of GRC in SOC 2 and GDPR
Managing SOC 2 and GDPR separately can be overwhelming. This is where GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) frameworks provide value.
- Governance – Establishes company-wide accountability and policies for data protection.
- Risk Management – Identifies and mitigates risks that could impact security or privacy.
- Compliance – Ensures ongoing monitoring, reporting, and readiness for both SOC 2 audits and GDPR regulatory checks.
With GRC in place, organizations can integrate SOC 2 and GDPR requirements into one cohesive framework instead of treating them as separate projects.
Benefits of Aligning SOC 2 and GDPR
- Streamlined Compliance – Overlapping requirements mean one set of controls can satisfy both frameworks.
- Reduced Risk – Protecting data through SOC 2 controls also lowers GDPR violation risks.
- Faster Sales Cycles – Customers see compliance as proof of trustworthiness, speeding up vendor assessments.
- Operational Efficiency – GRC frameworks prevent duplication of work across security and privacy teams.
- Global Credibility – SOC 2 builds trust in the U.S., GDPR builds credibility in Europe—together, they support global growth.
Best Practices for SOC 2 and GDPR Alignment
- Map Controls – Identify which SOC 2 controls also meet GDPR requirements.
- Automate Monitoring – Use compliance software to track risks, evidence, and reporting.
- Update Policies Regularly – Both SOC 2 and GDPR expect ongoing reviews of security and privacy practices.
- Train Employees – Staff awareness is critical to both frameworks.
- Engage Experts – Consultants or GRC tools can reduce complexity and improve audit readiness.
Final Thoughts
In today’s interconnected world, customers demand both security and privacy. SOC 2 compliance proves your company has strong internal controls, while GDPR compliance ensures you respect individual data rights.
By aligning both under a GRC framework, businesses not only avoid fines and risks but also gain a powerful competitive advantage in global markets.
The takeaway is clear: SOC 2 and GDPR are not competing requirements—they are complementary pillars of a modern data protection strategy.