How GRC Leaders Can Prepare for Emerging Federal Data and Privacy Legislation

Federal data and privacy requirements are expanding rapidly as agencies collect, share, and analyze more information than ever before. New legislation, updated OMB guidance, and evolving expectations around data protection are placing increased pressure on GRC leaders to anticipate change rather than react to it. Agencies that prepare early can reduce compliance risk, improve trust, and avoid costly remediation efforts later.

Why Data and Privacy Oversight Is Accelerating

Several forces are driving heightened scrutiny of federal data practices:

• Increased data sharing across agencies and with external partners

• Expanded use of analytics, AI, and automation

• Rising public expectations for transparency and privacy protection

• High-profile data breaches and misuse incidents

As a result, lawmakers and oversight bodies are pushing for stronger, more consistent privacy and data governance across the federal enterprise.

What’s Likely Coming Next

While specific legislative timelines vary, federal agencies should expect continued movement in several key areas:

• Stronger requirements for data minimization and purpose limitation

• Expanded privacy impact assessments for emerging technologies

• Clearer accountability for data stewardship and ownership

• Increased reporting expectations tied to data sharing and AI use

• Greater alignment between cybersecurity, privacy, and enterprise risk oversight

These trends point toward more integrated governance models rather than standalone privacy programs.

Updating Frameworks Before Mandates Arrive

GRC leaders do not need to wait for new laws to begin preparing. Many of the expected requirements are already reflected in existing standards. Agencies should proactively review and update alignment with:

• NIST Privacy Framework for managing privacy risk alongside cybersecurity risk

• NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) to integrate data protection into system authorization

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0), particularly the expanded governance focus

• OMB Circular A-108 and related privacy guidance

Harmonizing these frameworks now reduces duplication and positions agencies for smoother compliance transitions.

Strengthening Data Governance as a Compliance Foundation

Emerging legislation is likely to place greater emphasis on how agencies manage data throughout its lifecycle. Modern data governance programs should:

• Maintain automated data inventories and catalogs

• Standardize metadata and data classifications

• Define clear stewardship and ownership roles

• Track data sharing agreements and access permissions

These capabilities allow agencies to answer oversight questions quickly and accurately—often the difference between smooth reviews and extended findings.

Integrating Privacy into Enterprise Risk Management

Privacy risk is increasingly viewed as enterprise risk. GRC leaders should ensure privacy considerations are embedded into:

• Enterprise risk registers

• System-level risk assessments

• Technology acquisition and vendor reviews

• AI and data analytics governance processes

This integration enables leadership to understand how privacy risks affect mission outcomes—not just regulatory compliance.

Using Automation to Stay Ahead

Manual compliance approaches will not scale as data and privacy requirements grow. Automation helps agencies:

• Continuously monitor access to sensitive data

• Automate evidence collection for audits and reporting

• Identify policy gaps and emerging risks early

• Reduce reliance on last-minute compliance efforts

Continuous monitoring and automated reporting align with both current oversight expectations and future legislative direction.

Preparing Leadership and the Workforce

Legislative readiness is not only technical—it is organizational. GRC leaders should brief executives on upcoming trends, clarify accountability for data protection, and ensure staff understand evolving responsibilities.Agencies that invest in awareness and training reduce the likelihood of non-compliance driven by misunderstanding rather than intent.

Looking Ahead

Emerging federal data and privacy legislation will continue to raise the bar for accountability, transparency, and governance. GRC leaders who act now—updating frameworks, strengthening data governance, and integrating privacy into enterprise risk—will position their agencies to adapt with confidence.Preparation today transforms future compliance from a disruption into a managed transition.

For more insights on federal GRC, data governance, and privacy readiness, visitGRCMeet.org.