The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the European Union's core data privacy and security regulation. GDPR protects individual privacy rights throughout the EU and associated countries. It is also an extra-territorial data protection law, meaning that companies must protect the data privacy of EU residents anywhere in the world.
GDPR is a critical regulatory concern for companies that collect, store, or process EU user data. In practice, the regulations apply to most businesses with global reach. With fines ranging into the millions for misusing personal data, compliance managers need to stay informed about GDPR-related issues.
For a quick intro to EU privacy requirements, check out our GDPR compliance checklist. If you want to dig deeper, boosting your General Data Protection Regulation library is advisable.
The GPDR is a complex web of clauses and regulatory requirements. With so much complexity, it's easy to lose sight of regulatory obligations and how to achieve cost-effective compliance. Luckily, there are plenty of GDPR experts. Many of them have written accessible guides for beginners, and there are also some in-depth works for experts.
The list below introduces some of 2025's best GDPR books. Extra knowledge tends to clear up murky areas and replace confusion with confidence about how to proceed. Let's dive in and suggest some must-reads for you and your team.
Our first recommendation should help small businesses exploit the European market. Ben Martin pitches this short guide at SMEs who may feel intimidated by the GDPR's data protection clauses. After reading this, nobody should feel scared to expand their European operations.
"GDPR for Startups and Scaleups" explains compliance basics. Martin defines consent obligations and the concept of data privacy by design. He also urges small companies to build data protection into their operations. Smart companies use GDPR to build trust and avoid data breaches. Even if your European operations are modest, you will probably benefit from Martin's information security advice.
Massey's textbook is a must-have reference work for all data protection professionals. So, if you buy one text from this list, make it this one.
The "Ultimate GDPR Practitioner Guide" scores highly because Massey clarifies every core concept using easily understandable language. He describes legal obligations, suggests practical data protection controls, and generally empowers compliance professionals to master the General Data Protection Regulation.
Aside from that, it's helpful to have a regulatory "bible" on the bookshelf to refer to when issues arise. And Massey's guide is the perfect option.
The relationship between GDPR and cloud computing is a potential pain point for businesses worldwide. Knowing your cloud-related responsibilities is critical when selling digital services to EU residents or gathering data. Alan Calder's book makes this complex task much easier to digest.
Calder explains how cloud providers can comply with the EU's privacy regulation, providing practical information security measures that fit regulatory requirements. It's a quick read and offers clear guidance to help you follow the EU Data Protection Code of Conduct.
Sooner or later, anyone collecting data from European Union residents will encounter subject access requests (DSARs). DSARs allow users to exercise their data privacy rights. However, complying can be expensive, and not all requests are legitimate.
Massey and Leafe understand these problems and offer solutions. They explain what counts as a reasonable request under GDPR, showing how and when you need to comply with DSARs. If you apply their ideas cleverly, you'll almost certainly save money with intelligent DSAR policies.
The General Data Protection Regulation requires robust cybersecurity controls to enhance data protection. However, many organizations experience confusion about appropriate data protection systems and the scope of data security measures. That's where Cardwell's information security expertise comes in handy.
This readable guide looks at state-of-the-art data protection, suggesting ways to exceed GDPR requirements. Cardwell's book is a great starting point for risk management strategies that meet EU requirements and minimize the risk of data breaches.
If you are confused about how handling employee data relates to EU data protection law, Barnett has your back. This concise introduction sets out the role of HR professionals. Barnett covers consent, dealing with data breaches, and data security controls. If you manage any EU residents - even remotely - his advice is well worth consulting.
Health-related personal data protection is one of the trickiest GDPR challenges. However, Maria Tzanou clearly explains the responsibilities of health organizations, turning a colossal task into something much more manageable. Tzanou's insights are valuable for companies that process large amounts of health data, with handy recommendations for anonymization and operating internationally.
It's a timely exploration, especially in a post-COVID world, offering insights on how GDPR shapes the handling of sensitive health data, from everyday apps to pandemic tracking, making complex legal matters accessible to anyone interested in the future of health privacy.
Protecting data subjects' rights is a core mission of GDPR. But what rights do EU residents have, and how should companies allow individuals to exercise them? In this GDPR book, academic Helena Vrabec offers a comprehensive but readable summary of data rights obligations. By the final chapter, readers will know all about critical rights like data portability, the right to be forgotten, and data privacy.
It's important to be realistic about regulatory challenges. But staying positive and confident about new technologies like artificial intelligence and big data is also essential. Gilbert's book is the ideal antidote to pessimism and doubt.
“Good Data” talks about how GDPR will complement responsible companies, allowing us to capitalize on data while mitigating data security risks. Gilbert argues that we need high-quality regulations to police the wild frontiers of data processing. Applying GDPR reasonably enables firms to explore digital innovation while protecting privacy rights and information security.
The books above cover diverse themes, from healthcare data to cloud computing. However, there's always more to learn about the General Data Protection Regulation. Compliance professionals should always look for more information sources and expertise.
Alongside books, check out online webinars and courses. Cybersecurity companies are also useful sources of guidance. For example, NordLayer's Learning Centre has an extensive compliance library. It's the ideal place to refresh your knowledge or become familiar with data protection ideas to aid GDPR compliance.
Privacy and security companies regularly produce GDPR white papers. Look out for new publications after regulatory changes or new national laws. And check in with industry thought leaders like the Data Protection Made Easy or Life With GDPR podcasts.
GDPR is a dynamic regulation with constant refinements and updates. Cast your net widely and set aside time to stay informed. But never forget about the power of reading. A few hours reading our literature suggestions could be the best time you spend all year.
GDPR compliance is a constant concern for international businesses. Regulators are never shy about imposing penalties for data protection breaches. Organizations need to understand their risk management responsibilities and take appropriate action.
Reading about GDPR subjects is always useful. Arm yourself with up-to-date knowledge to prepare for incidents and regulatory problems. And if reading inspires you to overhaul your GDPR compliance systems, NordLayer is here to help. Get in touch to explore GDPR compliance solutions to lock down customer data and grow your business in the EU.
Agnė Srėbaliūtė
Senior Creative Copywriter
Agne is a writer with over 15 years of experience in PR, SEO, and creative writing. With a love for playing with words and meanings, she creates unique content. Introverted and often lost in thought, Agne balances her passion for the tech world with hiking adventures across various countries. She appreciates the IT field for its endless learning opportunities.
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