GDPR vs HIPAA Security Rule
What is the difference between GDPR and HIPAA Security Rule?
GDPR is a privacy framework applying in the European Union, with 40 controls across 4 domains. HIPAA Security Rule is a healthcare framework applying in the United States, with 67 controls across 5 domains. They govern different subjects, so the overlap is limited to the governance requirements they share. The mapping below shows where that is.
GDPR40 controls
HIPAA Security Rule67 controls
Questions people ask about GDPR and HIPAA Security Rule
What is the difference between GDPR and HIPAA Security Rule?
GDPR has 40 controls while HIPAA Security Rule has 67 controls. Both frameworks address compliance requirements but differ in scope, focus, and applicability. Use our platform to explore the exact control-to-control mappings.
Do I need both GDPR and HIPAA Security Rule?
Whether you need both depends on your industry, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. Many organizations implement multiple frameworks simultaneously. Our compliance platform helps you map controls between GDPR and HIPAA Security Rule so you can identify shared requirements and avoid duplicate effort.
How do GDPR and HIPAA Security Rule controls map to each other?
Our platform maps controls between GDPR and HIPAA Security Rule at a granular level. Each mapping shows whether controls are fully aligned, partially aligned, or represent gaps. This helps you prioritize implementation when pursuing both frameworks.
Which framework should I implement first, GDPR or HIPAA Security Rule?
The best starting point depends on your specific regulatory requirements, industry, and customer demands. Consider which framework is most urgently required by your stakeholders or regulators. Use our free compliance platform to run a gap analysis and determine the optimal implementation sequence.
Each framework on its own
Comparisons people read next
Each of these compares one of the two standards above against another it shares controls with.
GDPR vs ISO 27701:201933 shared controlsGDPR vs AICPA Privacy Management Framework (PMF)30 shared controlsGDPR vs NIST SP 800-53 Rev 527 shared controlsHIPAA Security Rule vs FedRAMP High57 shared controlsHIPAA Security Rule vs FedRAMP Moderate57 shared controlsHIPAA Security Rule vs NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 MODERATE55 shared controls
See all control mappings with interactive gap analysis
Explore the complete mapping between GDPR and HIPAA Security Rule on our compliance platform.
Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.