GDPR-Compliant Data Pipelines: A Reference Architecture

Abstract

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), enforced from May 25, 2018, mandates stringent data protection measures for organizations handling personal data of EU residents. This paper presents a reference architecture for GDPR-compliant data pipelines, emphasizing the integration of privacy by design, data minimization, and robust security mechanisms. The proposed architecture incorporates modular components such as data ingestion, transformation, storage, and access control, ensuring compliance with GDPR principles. Key features include data anonymization, encryption at rest and in transit, audit logging, and consent management. The architecture leverages technologies like Apache Kafka for data streaming, Apache Spark for data processing, and Delta Lake for ACIDcompliant storage. Additionally, blockchain-based solutions are explored for data provenance and accountability. A case study is presented to demonstrate the practical implementation of the architecture, highlighting the challenges faced and the solutions adopted. The results indicate that the proposed architecture effectively addresses GDPR requirements while maintaining data utility for analytical purposes. The paper concludes with recommendations for organizations aiming to build GDPR-compliant data pipelines and outlines areas for future research. WIREDlabs.  moongy.ptinovex GmbH+1