Data Privacy & Regulatory Compliance Division, AWS

Aligning cloud operations with evolving international data protection laws.

About

Enhancing Data Protection Across Regions

Amazon Web Services' Data Privacy & Compliance Division identified increasing challenges in meeting new data protection laws being enacted across the EU, UAE, and Latin America. Variations in data localization requirements, encryption standards, and cross-border transfer restrictions posed operational risk and potential penalties. AWS engaged Keen Lex International to design a unified legal and compliance structure adaptable to multiple jurisdictions without slowing service delivery or client onboarding.

We coordinated with AWS legal and cloud architecture teams to map data flows, assess regulatory exposure, and create compliant contractual and operational frameworks. Through policy refinement, legal documentation updates, and proactive regulatory engagement, we helped establish a scalable compliance system that met or exceeded GDPR, UAE Data Protection Law, and LGPD standards—ensuring uninterrupted service across global markets.

Problem

Fragmented Global Data Regulations

Conflicting data privacy laws across jurisdictions created legal uncertainty and operational inefficiencies.

Goal

Unified and Compliant Data Strategy

The client aimed to implement a multi-region compliance model without disrupting cloud services or client contracts.

Solution

Cross-Border Compliance Framework

We developed a harmonized legal and technical approach, updating data policies, contractual clauses, and regulatory communications.

Their insight into both technology and law allowed us to meet new regulations without slowing innovation or service delivery

Privacy Alignment Across Jurisdictions

To ensure AWS remained compliant globally while maintaining operational efficiency, we utilized a structured process combining legal review, technical mapping, and policy implementation. Each phase was customized to address regional legal complexities and cloud infrastructure realities.

Phase 1

Assessment & Analysis

We began by conducting an in-depth review of AWS's data handling practices, contractual obligations, and cloud infrastructure across key regions. This allowed us to identify regulatory gaps and assess where operational workflows intersected with legal risk.

Mapped cross-border data transfers and storage regions
Reviewed existing Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)
Evaluated risks under GDPR, UAE DP Law, and Brazil’s LGPD
Conducted interviews with internal privacy, security, and product teams

Phase 2

Assessment & Analysis

Strategic Planning

Mapped cross-border data transfers and storage regions
Reviewed existing Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)
Evaluated risks under GDPR, UAE DP Law, and Brazil’s LGPD
Conducted interviews with internal privacy, security, and product teams

Following the assessment, we designed a unified compliance strategy to ensure legal conformity without obstructing cloud service performance. This included drafting new privacy terms and aligning internal processes with regulatory expectations.

Established jurisdiction-specific compliance objectives
Updated contract templates with Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
Formulated internal data access, encryption, and retention policies
Developed regulatory engagement plans for EU, UAE, and LATAM authorities

Established jurisdiction-specific compliance objectives
Updated contract templates with Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
Formulated internal data access, encryption, and retention policies
Developed regulatory engagement plans for EU, UAE, and LATAM authorities

Phase 3

Assessment & Analysis

Implementation

Mapped cross-border data transfers and storage regions
Reviewed existing Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)
Evaluated risks under GDPR, UAE DP Law, and Brazil’s LGPD
Conducted interviews with internal privacy, security, and product teams

We coordinated with AWS’s legal, engineering, and product teams to execute the compliance framework. This phase prioritized operational continuity while applying legal safeguards and preparing for regulatory inquiries.

Deployed updated privacy contracts to enterprise clients
Implemented encryption, localization, and audit protocol changes
Prepared regulatory briefing materials and compliance reports
Established ongoing monitoring and internal training procedures

Deployed updated privacy contracts to enterprise clients
Implemented encryption, localization, and audit protocol changes
Prepared regulatory briefing materials and compliance reports
Established ongoing monitoring and internal training procedures

Result

Compliance Achieved, Innovation Sustained

AWS achieved full compliance with GDPR, UAE Data Protection Law, and LGPD without service interruptions or contractual disputes. Client trust was reinforced through transparent updates to data agreements, and no financial penalties or public investigations occurred. Regulatory bodies acknowledged AWS’s proactive approach, reducing the likelihood of future scrutiny.

Beyond immediate compliance, a scalable governance structure was implemented for future data regulations. AWS now operates with standardized privacy clauses, advanced monitoring capabilities, and jurisdiction-ready legal frameworks. This demonstrates our firm’s ability to merge legal precision with technological understanding—protecting innovation while safeguarding regulatory integrity.