Trust Wallet logo

Data Privacy

Data protection regulations and privacy compliance in cryptocurrency operations

Data Privacy Principles

Data Minimization

Collect only the personal data that is necessary for the specified purpose

Transparency

Provide clear information about data collection, use, and sharing practices

Security

Implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect data

User Rights

Respect individual rights to access, correct, and delete personal data

Privacy in Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency businesses must balance regulatory compliance requirements with privacy protection. While blockchain transactions are public, personal data collected for KYC/AML purposes must be handled according to strict privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

Major Privacy Regulations

GDPR

General Data Protection Regulation

European Union
Scope:

All EU residents' personal data

Max Penalties:

Up to 4% of annual revenue or €20M

Key Requirements:
Lawful basis for processing
Data subject consent
Right to be forgotten
Data protection by design

CCPA

California Consumer Privacy Act

California, USA
Scope:

California residents' personal information

Max Penalties:

Up to $7,500 per violation

Key Requirements:
Right to know about data collection
Right to delete personal information
Right to opt-out of sale
Non-discrimination for exercising rights

PIPEDA

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act

Canada
Scope:

Personal information in commercial activities

Max Penalties:

Up to CAD $100,000

Key Requirements:
Consent for collection and use
Limited collection and use
Accuracy and safeguards
Individual access rights

Data Protection Measures

Technical Safeguards

  • End-to-end encryption
  • Secure data transmission
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Regular security updates

Organizational Measures

  • Privacy policies and procedures
  • Staff training and awareness
  • Data processing agreements
  • Regular privacy audits

Data Governance

  • Data classification and inventory
  • Purpose limitation enforcement
  • Retention period management
  • Data quality assurance

Infrastructure Security

  • Secure cloud environments
  • Network security controls
  • Backup and recovery systems
  • Incident response procedures

Privacy Best Practices

Privacy by Design

  • Build privacy into system architecture
  • Default to highest privacy settings
  • Minimize data collection from start
  • Regular privacy impact assessments

Incident Response

  • Breach detection and notification procedures
  • Data subject notification protocols
  • Regulatory reporting requirements
  • Remediation and recovery plans

User Rights Management

  • Easy access request procedures
  • Data portability mechanisms
  • Deletion and rectification processes
  • Consent management systems

Documentation

  • Records of processing activities
  • Privacy policy maintenance
  • Consent documentation
  • Training and audit records