Technology reviews
We assess your software, cloud platforms, and AI systems to ensure they meet data protection regulations (GDPR, UAE PDPL) and security best practices. Our reviews identify vulnerabilities and optimize your tech stack for both compliance and operational efficiency.
Key Focus Areas:
✔ Data privacy-by-design audits
✔ Cloud security configurations
✔ AI/ML system compliance checks
✔ Vendor technology assessments
Privacy and security by design, tested before launch
Technology decisions lock in privacy outcomes. A technology review looks at the software, cloud platforms and AI systems your business uses or builds, and checks whether they handle personal data in line with the law and good security practice. It is most valuable before you buy, build or launch, when problems are cheap to fix.
What we review
- Business applications and SaaS tools: CRM, HR, finance, marketing and support platforms and what personal data they hold
- Cloud and hosting set-up: where data is stored, who can access it, and how it is protected
- Websites and apps: forms, analytics, tracking, cookies and consent mechanisms
- New products and features: privacy-by-design review during design and development
- AI and machine-learning systems: data sources, training data, outputs and oversight, in line with our AI governance service
- Third-party vendors and integrations: what they receive and how they are contractually bound
What we check for
- Data minimisation: only the data you need is collected
- Access controls and role-based permissions
- Encryption in transit and at rest, and key management
- Logging, monitoring and retention settings
- Deletion and export capability, so you can meet individual rights requests
- Location of data and international access, supported by transfer impact assessments
- Default privacy settings and consent handling
- Vendor security and privacy documentation and certifications
How a technology review works
- Scope: we agree which systems, data and laws are in scope.
- Collect evidence: we review architecture notes, data-flow diagrams, vendor documents and configuration screens, and interview your technical owners.
- Assess: we test findings against UAE PDPL, DIFC DPL, ADGM DPR, KSA PDPL, GDPR and recognised security practice.
- Report: a prioritised list of findings with practical fixes your engineers can act on.
- Follow-up: we help you track fixes and re-check critical items.
A technology review is a privacy and compliance assessment. It does not replace a penetration test or a technical security audit, and we can work alongside your security team or external specialists. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
When should we do a technology review?
Before adopting a new platform, launching a product or feature, moving to the cloud, or starting an AI project. It is also useful as part of an annual data protection audit.
Is this the same as a security assessment?
No. We focus on privacy and compliance, including how systems collect, use, store and share personal data. Security controls are part of the picture, but we do not run technical penetration tests.
Can you review a vendor before we sign?
Yes. Reviewing a vendor’s privacy and security posture and contract terms before signing is one of the most useful things to do. See our data protection agreements service.
Do you need access to our systems?
Usually not. We rely on documentation, screenshots and walkthroughs, with limited access only where it is needed, and under agreed confidentiality terms.
Does a review involve a DPIA?
If the technology involves high-risk processing, a DPIA will usually be needed as well, and we can combine the two.