In today’s data-driven landscape, safeguarding sensitive information is not just a legal obligation but also a business imperative. Enterprises adopting cloud technologies must pay special attention to data privacy, particularly when using platforms like SAP Cloud Platform (SCP). SCP, now a part of the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), provides powerful tools for application development and integration. However, as it handles vast amounts of enterprise data, ensuring data privacy and compliance becomes crucial.
This article explores how SAP addresses data privacy on its cloud platform, the key features and responsibilities, and how businesses can align with global privacy regulations such as the GDPR, CCPA, and others.
SAP Cloud Platform (rebranded as SAP Business Technology Platform) is an open platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that enables businesses to build, extend, and integrate business applications in the cloud. It offers services for database management, analytics, application development, and machine learning—all of which involve handling sensitive personal and organizational data.
SAP follows strict guidelines based on internationally recognized data privacy principles. These include:
Only data necessary for processing is collected and stored. Applications on SCP are encouraged to avoid overcollection and limit access to only essential data.
Data is collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes. Developers using SCP must define data processing goals upfront and avoid repurposing data without user consent.
SAP provides customers with documentation and tools to ensure transparent data handling. These include audit logs, data access logs, and privacy impact assessments.
SCP-based applications must obtain user consent for data collection and allow users to exercise their rights—such as data access, correction, and deletion—as mandated by laws like GDPR.
SAP has embedded privacy controls and tools across its platform:
SAP offers built-in services to manage consents, data retention policies, and user access rights. These services can be integrated directly into SCP-based applications.
All data stored and transmitted within SAP Cloud Platform is encrypted using industry standards (e.g., TLS for data in transit and AES for data at rest). Customers can also manage encryption keys using SAP’s Key Management Service.
To minimize unauthorized access, SCP provides robust RBAC mechanisms. This ensures that only authorized users can access or modify sensitive data.
SAP Cloud Platform includes comprehensive audit logging tools. These help organizations track access to personal data, detect anomalies, and fulfill compliance requirements for logging and documentation.
SAP Cloud Platform supports compliance with multiple data protection regulations:
SAP also undergoes third-party audits and certifications to ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 1/2/3, and more.
While SAP provides the infrastructure and tools, customers are responsible for how data is used within their applications. Key responsibilities include:
SAP offers extensive documentation and best practice guides to support customers in fulfilling these responsibilities.
Data privacy in SAP Cloud Platform is a shared responsibility between SAP and its customers. While SAP provides a secure, compliant foundation, organizations must ensure their own applications and processes adhere to privacy principles and regulations. By leveraging the built-in tools and adopting privacy-by-design principles, businesses can protect sensitive data, maintain user trust, and stay compliant in a rapidly evolving legal environment.