Under GDPR, Meta was fined €1.2 billion for data transfer violations in 2023. ISO 38505 helps demonstrate “reasonable governance” – a key defense during investigations. A random PDF summary cannot provide the audit-proof evidence you need.
Unlocking Data Value: Why ISO/IEC 38505 is Your Governance Secret Weapon
In today's digital landscape, data isn't just "digital exhaust"—it’s a high-stakes strategic asset. While many organizations focus on
data (the technical storage and movement), they often neglect it (the strategic direction and oversight). ISO/IEC 38505-1
provides the definitive high-level framework for governing bodies and senior executives to ensure data is used effectively, efficiently, and ethically. What is ISO 38505?
The ISO 38505 series acts as a specialized extension of the broader ISO/IEC 38500
IT governance standard. It translates general IT governance principles into specific actions for the data lifecycle—from collection to disposal. The standard is built on six core principles Responsibility : Clearly defined roles for data oversight. : Aligning data usage with organizational goals. Acquisition : Ethical and legal sourcing of data. Performance : Ensuring data delivers actual value. Conformance : Meeting legal and regulatory obligations. Human Behavior : Understanding how people interact with and impact data. Beyond Management: The "Evaluate, Direct, Monitor" Model
ISO 38505 isn't a technical "how-to" manual for DBAs. Instead, it follows a rigorous governance model designed for the boardroom: iso 38505 pdf
: Assess the current and future use of data, weighing its potential value against risks and constraints.
: Establish policies and strategies that ensure data use aligns with the business mission.
: Implement measurement systems to track performance and ensure compliance with set policies. The Data Accountability Map One of the most practical tools within the standard is the Data Accountability Map
. It breaks data usage into key stages, ensuring accountability at every turn:
Part 1: Application of ISO/IEC 38500 to the governance of data
ISO/IEC 38505 is a multi-part international standard providing a framework for the governance of data
. It bridges the gap between high-level IT governance (defined in ISO/IEC 38500) and the practical management of data as a strategic asset. ISO - International Organization for Standardization Core Series Structure The series is currently divided into several key documents: ISO/IEC 38505-1:2017 (Part 1) : Focuses on the application of ISO/IEC 38500 principles Under GDPR, Meta was fined €1
to data governance. It establishes the fundamental vocabulary and the "Data Accountability Map". ISO/IEC TR 38505-2:2018 (Part 2) : Provides technical guidance on the implications for data management
. It helps governing bodies evaluate, direct, and monitor data strategies. ISO/IEC TS 38505-3:2021 (Part 3) : Offers practical guidelines for data classification to support organizational policy. ISO - International Organization for Standardization The Data Accountability Map
The standard uses a lifecycle approach to ensure accountability across six primary data areas: ISO - International Organization for Standardization
ISO/IEC 38505-1:2017(en), Information technology — Governance of IT
I’m unable to provide a direct PDF download or full report text for ISO 38505 (which covers data governance, part of the ISO 38500 series), as it is a copyrighted standard that must be purchased from authorized standards bodies like ISO, IEC, ANSI, or your national standards agency.
However, if you need a long report or detailed summary of ISO 38505 (particularly ISO/IEC 38505-1:2017 – Governance of data), here’s what you can do:
You have the official document—now what? Implementation follows a high-level framework. It also emphasizes six key principles for data
The standard introduces the “E-D-A” framework for governing data:
It also emphasizes six key principles for data governance:
ISO/IEC 38505 is officially titled "Information technology — Governance of IT — Governance of data." It is designed to help organizations apply the six core principles of ISO/IEC 38500 (Responsibility, Strategy, Acquisition, Performance, Conformance, Human Behavior) to data assets.
The standard is divided into two main parts:
It might seem strange to link a high-level governance standard with a file format like PDF, but the connection is vital for compliance officers.
ISO 38505 is a standard that applies the principles of corporate governance to data. It is an offshoot of the popular ISO 38500 (Governance of IT for the organization).
While ISO 38500 covers IT governance broadly, ISO 38505 focuses specifically on data governance—how to direct, evaluate, and monitor the use of data.
The standard is officially titled:
ISO/IEC 38505-1:2017 – Information technology – Governance of IT – Governance of data – Part 1: Application of ISO/IEC 38500 to the governance of data