Concerns about data privacy are becoming increasingly prevalent across Europe, especially among privacy professionals facing budget cuts and mounting pressures. According to recent research by ISACA, over 40% of these professionals believe their organizations are failing to allocate sufficient funds for data privacy initiatives. Compounding these issues, 54% anticipate budget reductions for the year 2025, posing significant challenges for maintaining data integrity.
Since the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its UK equivalent, many experts are questioning whether organizations can adequately safeguard sensitive customer and employee data. Chris Dimitriadis, Isaca's global chief strategy officer, noted, “Two-thirds [66%] of the European professionals working in privacy roles who we spoke to said their job is more stressful now compared to five years ago.” The cause is clear: rapid technological advancements, compliance challenges, and underfunding are straining these professionals.
Analysis from the 2025 State of Privacy report indicates significant stress among privacy roles—with the rapid advancement of technology being cited by 63% of respondents as the top contributor. Closely related are compliance issues (61%) and resource shortages (59%). The survey drew insights from over 1,600 professionals, with key findings showcasing the most pressing challenges facing their roles today.
Among the challenges highlighted, 43% of privacy professionals described their budgets as inadequate, with nearly half foreseeing even greater reductions on the horizon. Recruitment also proves difficult, with 73% expressing difficulties hiring qualified privacy experts—making it increasingly hard to assemble teams capable of ensuring compliance and protecting sensitive data.
Despite these oppressive challenges, only 44% of respondents expressed confidence in their organizations' privacy teams' ability to uphold data privacy and adhere to the ever-evolving regulations. Quite concerning, 47% reported insufficient training as the most common shortfall within their organizations, leading to data breaches (42%) and neglecting the principle of privacy by design (41%).
Niel Harper, ISACA’s board vice chair and chief information security officer at Doodle, remarked, "Providing adequate support is key for fostering a healthy privacy workforce and protecting data integrity." This statement underlines the precarious balance privacy professionals must maintain amid economic pressures.
Interestingly, organizations encountering the fewest challenges are those committed to ‘privacy by design’ principles—covering aspects of privacy across all levels of operations. Dimitriadis stated, “Practicing privacy-by-design and embedding privacy across an entire enterprise is key to long-term data protection.” The report found organizations applying this methodology posted fewer skills gaps and enhanced staff satisfaction, leading to improved compliance outcomes.
The ISACA report also emphasizes the need for enhanced education and training to plug existing skills gaps. Fortunately, 47% of all organizations now offer training to encourage non-privacy staff to transition to privacy roles. Initiatives like these are part of the bigger effort needed to create suitably skilled teams capable of driving effective privacy practices.
Another positive development is the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to manage privacy-related tasks. The report indicates 11% of respondents utilized AI this year, compared to just 8% last year. This trend may assist organizations by integrating privacy operations more efficiently, signaling the shift toward blending technology with privacy provisions.
Safia Kazi, ISACA Principal in Privacy Professional Practices, asserts, "When privacy aligns with business objectives and is approached as a fundamental responsibility, organizations stand to realize tremendous value.” This aligns with the view held by many privacy professionals who are advocating for organizations to prioritize and innovate by leveraging effective technology and frameworks.
The recent ISACA report sheds light not only on the increasing pressures and strains facing privacy professionals but also offers strategic pathways to alleviating these challenges. It’s clear—adequate support, funding, and resources are not just encouraged; they are imperative for fostering resilience and comprehensive compliance as data privacy continues to evolve within today’s rapidly-changing digital climate.