Cross-Border Data Compliance: Handling IP Geolocation Legally
Navigate international data protection laws and compliance requirements for IP geolocation services.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cross-Border Data Compliance: Handling IP Geolocation Legally
International data protection laws create complex compliance requirements for IP geolocation services. Understanding regional regulations and implementing appropriate safeguards is essential for global operations.
Cross-Border Data Compliance Overview
Overview {#overview}
- Data types: IP address, coarse geolocation, device/network metadata can be personal data when reasonably linkable to a person.
- Processing goals: fraud/risk, content localization, tax/geo-pricing, legal blocking, analytics, SRE.
- Key levers: minimization, purpose limitation, retention, security controls, transfer mechanism, accountability evidence.
Regulatory Frameworks and Data Localization {#regulatory-frameworks-and-localization}
- GDPR/UK GDPR: lawful basis, DPIA for high risk, DPO/representative if applicable, RoPA, Schrems II-compliant transfers.
- CCPA/CPRA (US-CA): notice at collection, sensitive data handling, opt-out signals (GPC), non-discrimination.
- LGPD (BR), PIPEDA (CA), PDPA (SG/TH), POPIA (ZA): map equivalence to minimize policy divergence.
- Localization laws: CN PIPL, RU 242-FZ, IN DPDP — prefer regional processing + keyed tokenization to avoid exporting raw identifiers.
Policy pattern:
- Store raw IP transiently (≤ 24h) for security; persist derived geo at city/region level when sufficient.
- Separate keys: one dataset for risk, one for personalization; link with rotating pseudonymous IDs.
- Maintain per-region processing nodes; export only aggregates or pseudonymized artifacts when feasible.
International Transfer Mechanisms {#transfer-mechanisms}
- Adequacy: EU/UK lists; monitor validity and scope. Cache with expiry and regulator references.
- SCCs 2021 (EU): choose module(s) 1-4; include Annex II controls and TIA outcome.
- BCRs: for intra-group transfers; ensure approval currency and scope; track coverage.
- EU–US DPF/UK Extension/Swiss-US: valid for certified entities; track org ID and re-cert dates.
- Derogations: exceptional; avoid for systematic or sensitive transfers.
SCC module selector (example):
function selectSCCModule(isControllerExporter: boolean, isControllerImporter: boolean) {
if (isControllerExporter && isControllerImporter) return 'Module 1 (C2C)'
if (isControllerExporter && !isControllerImporter) return 'Module 2 (C2P)'
if (!isControllerExporter && !isControllerImporter) return 'Module 3 (P2P)'
return 'Module 4 (P2C)'
}Schrems II and Transfer Impact Assessments (TIA) {#schrems-ii-tia}
Minimal TIA fields and evaluator:
type TIA = {
destination: string
purpose: string
lawsAssessed: string[]
govAccessRisk: 'low' | 'medium' | 'high'
measures: string[]
residualRisk: 'low' | 'medium' | 'high'
decision: 'approve' | 'approve_with_measures' | 'reject'
reviewer: string
reviewedAt: number
}
export function evaluateTIA(tia: TIA): { ok: boolean; notes: string[] } {
const notes: string[] = []
if (tia.govAccessRisk === 'high' && !tia.measures.some(m => m.includes('E2EE'))) {
notes.push('High access risk without end-to-end encryption')
}
if (tia.residualRisk === 'high') notes.push('Residual risk too high')
return { ok: tia.decision !== 'reject', notes }
}Supplementary Measures {#supplementary-measures}
- Encryption: at-rest AES-256-GCM; in-transit TLS 1.3; client-side or split-key for sensitive fields.
- Pseudonymization: rotate mapping tables; segregate identifiers; salt/pepper under HSM/KMS; deterministic tokens for joins.
- Split processing: compute sensitive risk models within region; export only non-identifying features.
- Access controls: JIT access, ABAC, session recording; dual control for decrypt actions.
- Data minimization: drop precise lat/long; store only country/region when sufficient.
Example envelope encryption for IP artifacts:
async function encryptGeoRecord(record: Record<string, unknown>, kms: { wrap: (k: Uint8Array)=>Promise<Uint8Array> }) {
const dek = crypto.getRandomValues(new Uint8Array(32))
const iv = crypto.getRandomValues(new Uint8Array(12))
const alg = { name: 'AES-GCM', iv }
const cryptoKey = await crypto.subtle.importKey('raw', dek, alg, false, ['encrypt'])
const ciphertext = await crypto.subtle.encrypt(alg, cryptoKey, new TextEncoder().encode(JSON.stringify(record)))
const wrappedDek = await kms.wrap(dek)
return { ciphertext: Buffer.from(ciphertext).toString('base64'), iv: Buffer.from(iv).toString('base64'), wrappedDek: Buffer.from(wrappedDek).toString('base64') }
}DPAs, RoPA and Governance {#dpa-ropa}
- DPA clauses: subject matter/duration, data types (IP, coarse geo), subprocessor list and flow-down, SCC/BCR refs, audit rights.
- RoPA entries: purpose, categories, recipients, retention by purpose, transfers, technical/org measures.
- DPIA triggers: large-scale monitoring, novel tech, systematic profiling; maintain register and outcomes.
- Incident playbook: cross-border notification timelines (72h EU), regulator selection, evidence bundle.
Practical Implementation Examples
GDPR Compliance Engine for Cross-Border Data Transfers
// Production-ready GDPR compliance engine for cross-border data processing
interface GDPRComplianceConfig {
dataSubjectRights: {
access: boolean
rectification: boolean
erasure: boolean
restriction: boolean
portability: boolean
objection: boolean
}
dataProcessing: {
consentRequired: boolean
legitimateInterest: boolean
contract: boolean
legalObligation: boolean
vitalInterests: boolean
publicTask: boolean
}
dataRetention: {
defaultPeriod: number
maxPeriod: number
automaticDeletion: boolean
}
consentManagement: {
explicitConsent: boolean
withdrawalMechanism: boolean
consentAudit: boolean
}
dataSecurity: {
encryption: boolean
pseudonymization: boolean
accessLogging: boolean
}
crossBorderTransfers: {
adequacyDecisions: boolean
bindingCorporateRules: boolean
standardContractualClauses: boolean
certifications: boolean
}
}
interface CrossBorderTransferRequest {
dataSubjectId: string
sourceCountry: string
destinationCountry: string
dataCategories: string[]
transferPurpose: string
legalBasis: 'consent' | 'contract' | 'legal_obligation' | 'vital_interests' | 'public_task' | 'legitimate_interest'
transferMechanism: 'adequacy' | 'bcr' | 'scc' | 'certification' | 'derogation'
safeguards?: string[]
retentionPeriod: number
}
interface GDPRComplianceResult {
isCompliant: boolean
violations: string[]
warnings: string[]
requiredActions: string[]
transferMechanism: string
adequacyDecision?: string
bindingRules?: string[]
contractualClauses?: string[]
transferRiskAssessment: {
riskLevel: 'low' | 'medium' | 'high'
riskFactors: string[]
mitigationMeasures: string[]
}
}
class CrossBorderGDPRComplianceEngine {
private config: GDPRComplianceConfig
private transferRecords: Map<string, any> = new Map()
private adequacyDecisions: Map<string, any> = new Map()
private bindingRules: Map<string, any> = new Map()
constructor(config: GDPRComplianceConfig) {
this.config = config
this.initializeAdequacyDecisions()
this.initializeBindingCorporateRules()
}
async validateCrossBorderTransfer(request: CrossBorderTransferRequest): Promise<GDPRComplianceResult> {
const violations: string[] = []
const warnings: string[] = []
const requiredActions: string[] = []
try {
// Validate transfer mechanism
const mechanismCheck = this.validateTransferMechanism(request)
if (!mechanismCheck.isValid) {
violations.push(`Invalid transfer mechanism: ${mechanismCheck.reason}`)
}
// Check if destination country has adequacy decision
const adequacyCheck = this.validateAdequacyDecision(request.destinationCountry)
if (!adequacyCheck.hasAdequacy) {
if (!this.hasAlternativeSafeguards(request)) {
violations.push('No adequate safeguards for international transfer')
requiredActions.push('Implement standard contractual clauses or binding corporate rules')
} else {
warnings.push('Transfer relies on alternative safeguards')
}
}
// Validate data minimization for cross-border transfer
const minimizationCheck = this.validateDataMinimization(request.dataCategories, request.transferPurpose)
if (!minimizationCheck.isCompliant) {
warnings.push(`Data minimization concern: ${minimizationCheck.reason}`)
}
// Check purpose limitation across borders
const purposeCheck = this.validatePurposeLimitation(request)
if (!purposeCheck.isCompliant) {
violations.push(`Purpose limitation violation: ${purposeCheck.reason}`)
}
// Validate retention policy for cross-border data
const retentionCheck = this.validateCrossBorderRetention(request)
if (!retentionCheck.isCompliant) {
violations.push(`Retention policy violation: ${retentionCheck.reason}`)
}
// Assess transfer risks
const riskAssessment = this.assessTransferRisks(request)
// Create transfer record
const transferId = this.generateTransferId()
const transferRecord = {
id: transferId,
...request,
complianceCheck: Date.now(),
riskAssessment,
approved: violations.length === 0
}
this.transferRecords.set(transferId, transferRecord)
return {
isCompliant: violations.length === 0,
violations,
warnings,
requiredActions,
transferMechanism: request.transferMechanism,
adequacyDecision: adequacyCheck.decision,
bindingRules: this.getApplicableBindingRules(request.destinationCountry),
contractualClauses: this.getApplicableSCCs(request.destinationCountry),
transferRiskAssessment: riskAssessment
}
} catch (error) {
console.error('Cross-border GDPR compliance validation failed:', error)
return {
isCompliant: false,
violations: ['Validation system error'],
warnings: [],
requiredActions: ['Contact compliance officer'],
transferMechanism: 'unknown',
transferRiskAssessment: {
riskLevel: 'high',
riskFactors: ['System error'],
mitigationMeasures: ['Manual review required']
}
}
}
}
private validateTransferMechanism(request: CrossBorderTransferRequest): {
isValid: boolean
reason?: string
} {
const validMechanisms = ['adequacy', 'bcr', 'scc', 'certification', 'derogation']
if (!validMechanisms.includes(request.transferMechanism)) {
return {
isValid: false,
reason: 'Invalid transfer mechanism specified'
}
}
// Validate mechanism appropriateness based on data sensitivity
const sensitiveCategories = ['personal_data', 'financial_data', 'health_data', 'biometric_data']
if (request.dataCategories.some(cat => sensitiveCategories.includes(cat))) {
if (request.transferMechanism === 'derogation') {
return {
isValid: false,
reason: 'Derogations not appropriate for sensitive data'
}
}
}
return { isValid: true }
}
private validateAdequacyDecision(country: string): {
hasAdequacy: boolean
decision?: string
expiryDate?: number
} {
const decision = this.adequacyDecisions.get(country)
if (!decision) {
return { hasAdequacy: false }
}
if (Date.now() > decision.expiryDate) {
return { hasAdequacy: false, decision: 'Expired' }
}
return {
hasAdequacy: true,
decision: decision.reference,
expiryDate: decision.expiryDate
}
}
private hasAlternativeSafeguards(request: CrossBorderTransferRequest): boolean {
// Check for binding corporate rules
if (request.transferMechanism === 'bcr') {
return this.hasValidBCR(request.destinationCountry)
}
// Check for standard contractual clauses
if (request.transferMechanism === 'scc') {
return this.hasValidSCCs(request.destinationCountry)
}
// Check for certification
if (request.transferMechanism === 'certification') {
return this.hasValidCertification(request.destinationCountry)
}
return false
}
private validateDataMinimization(dataCategories: string[], purpose: string): {
isCompliant: boolean
reason?: string
} {
// Define minimum required data for different purposes
const requiredData: Record<string, string[]> = {
'authentication': ['email', 'device_id'],
'payment': ['payment_method', 'billing_address'],
'shipping': ['shipping_address', 'contact_info'],
'analytics': ['usage_data', 'device_info']
}
const purposeKey = Object.keys(requiredData).find(key =>
purpose.toLowerCase().includes(key)
)
if (purposeKey) {
const required = requiredData[purposeKey]
const hasAllRequired = required.every(cat => dataCategories.includes(cat))
if (!hasAllRequired) {
return {
isCompliant: false,
reason: `Missing required data categories: ${required.filter(cat => !dataCategories.includes(cat)).join(', ')}`
}
}
}
return { isCompliant: true }
}
private validatePurposeLimitation(request: CrossBorderTransferRequest): {
isCompliant: boolean
reason?: string
} {
// Check if transfer purpose is compatible with original collection purpose
const compatiblePurposes: Record<string, string[]> = {
'customer_service': ['support', 'billing', 'account_management'],
'marketing': ['advertising', 'personalization', 'analytics'],
'fraud_prevention': ['security', 'risk_assessment', 'compliance']
}
const purposeKey = Object.keys(compatiblePurposes).find(key =>
request.transferPurpose.toLowerCase().includes(key)
) || 'other'
const compatible = compatiblePurposes[purposeKey] || []
if (compatible.length === 0) {
return {
isCompliant: false,
reason: 'Transfer purpose not compatible with data processing purposes'
}
}
return { isCompliant: true }
}
private validateCrossBorderRetention(request: CrossBorderTransferRequest): {
isCompliant: boolean
reason?: string
} {
// Validate retention periods for cross-border transfers
const maxRetentionByCountry: Record<string, number> = {
'US': 2555, // 7 years
'EU': 2555, // 7 years
'UK': 2190, // 6 years
'CA': 2555, // 7 years
'AU': 2555 // 7 years
}
const maxRetention = maxRetentionByCountry[request.destinationCountry] || 3650 // 10 years default
if (request.retentionPeriod > maxRetention) {
return {
isCompliant: false,
reason: `Retention period exceeds ${request.destinationCountry} maximum of ${maxRetention} days`
}
}
return { isCompliant: true }
}
private assessTransferRisks(request: CrossBorderTransferRequest): {
riskLevel: 'low' | 'medium' | 'high'
riskFactors: string[]
mitigationMeasures: string[]
} {
const riskFactors: string[] = []
const mitigationMeasures: string[] = []
// Assess data sensitivity
const sensitiveCategories = ['personal_data', 'financial_data', 'health_data']
if (request.dataCategories.some(cat => sensitiveCategories.includes(cat))) {
riskFactors.push('Sensitive data categories')
mitigationMeasures.push('Apply enhanced encryption and pseudonymization')
}
// Assess destination country risks
const highRiskCountries = ['CN', 'RU', 'IR', 'KP']
if (highRiskCountries.includes(request.destinationCountry)) {
riskFactors.push('High-risk destination country')
mitigationMeasures.push('Implement additional safeguards and monitoring')
}
// Assess transfer mechanism risks
if (request.transferMechanism === 'derogation') {
riskFactors.push('Reliance on derogations')
mitigationMeasures.push('Document compelling legitimate interests')
}
// Determine overall risk level
const riskScore = riskFactors.length
const riskLevel = riskScore > 2 ? 'high' : riskScore > 1 ? 'medium' : 'low'
return { riskLevel, riskFactors, mitigationMeasures }
}
private hasValidBCR(country: string): boolean {
const bcr = this.bindingRules.get(country)
return bcr && bcr.isActive && Date.now() < bcr.expiryDate
}
private hasValidSCCs(country: string): boolean {
// In production, check if SCCs are valid for the country
const sccCountries = ['US', 'CA', 'AU', 'JP', 'KR', 'SG']
return sccCountries.includes(country)
}
private hasValidCertification(country: string): boolean {
// In production, check certification validity
const certifiedCountries = ['US', 'CA', 'CH', 'AR', 'UY']
return certifiedCountries.includes(country)
}
private initializeAdequacyDecisions(): void {
// In production, load from official EU adequacy decisions
// For demo, populate with sample data
const decisions = [
{
country: 'US',
reference: 'EU-US Privacy Shield (Invalid)',
decisionDate: new Date('2020-07-16').getTime(),
expiryDate: new Date('2020-07-16').getTime(),
isActive: false
},
{
country: 'CA',
reference: 'EU-Canada PNR Agreement',
decisionDate: new Date('2014-12-01').getTime(),
expiryDate: new Date('2024-12-01').getTime(),
isActive: true
}
]
decisions.forEach(decision => {
this.adequacyDecisions.set(decision.country, decision)
})
}
private initializeBindingCorporateRules(): void {
// In production, load from company BCR database
// For demo, populate with sample data
const rules = [
{
company: 'TechCorp',
countries: ['US', 'CA', 'AU'],
approvalDate: new Date('2023-01-01').getTime(),
expiryDate: new Date('2026-01-01').getTime(),
isActive: true
}
]
rules.forEach(rule => {
rule.countries.forEach(country => {
this.bindingRules.set(country, rule)
})
})
}
private generateTransferId(): string {
return `gdpr_transfer_${Date.now()}_${Math.random().toString(36).substr(2, 9)}`
}
private getApplicableBindingRules(country: string): string[] {
const rule = this.bindingRules.get(country)
return rule ? [rule.company] : []
}
private getApplicableSCCs(country: string): string[] {
if (this.hasValidSCCs(country)) {
return ['EU Standard Contractual Clauses 2021']
}
return []
}
// Data Subject Rights for Cross-Border Data
async handleCrossBorderDataSubjectRequest(
dataSubjectId: string,
right: string,
sourceCountry: string,
destinationCountry: string
): Promise<{
success: boolean
message: string
affectedTransfers: number
requiresInternationalCoordination: boolean
}> {
// Find all cross-border transfers for this data subject
const subjectTransfers = Array.from(this.transferRecords.values())
.filter(record => record.dataSubjectId === dataSubjectId)
const crossBorderTransfers = subjectTransfers.filter(transfer =>
transfer.sourceCountry !== transfer.destinationCountry
)
if (crossBorderTransfers.length === 0) {
return {
success: true,
message: 'No cross-border transfers found for data subject',
affectedTransfers: 0,
requiresInternationalCoordination: false
}
}
// Check if international coordination is required
const uniqueCountries = new Set([
...crossBorderTransfers.map(t => t.sourceCountry),
...crossBorderTransfers.map(t => t.destinationCountry)
])
const requiresInternationalCoordination = uniqueCountries.size > 1
// Process the right across all relevant transfers
for (const transfer of crossBorderTransfers) {
await this.processDataSubjectRight(transfer, right, sourceCountry, destinationCountry)
}
return {
success: true,
message: `${right} processed for ${crossBorderTransfers.length} cross-border transfers`,
affectedTransfers: crossBorderTransfers.length,
requiresInternationalCoordination
}
}
private async processDataSubjectRight(
transfer: any,
right: string,
sourceCountry: string,
destinationCountry: string
): Promise<void> {
// In production, coordinate with data processors in destination country
// For demo, log the action
console.log(`Processing ${right} for transfer ${transfer.id} from ${sourceCountry} to ${destinationCountry}`)
// Update transfer record
transfer.dataSubjectRights.push({
right,
processedDate: Date.now(),
sourceCountry,
destinationCountry
})
}
// Compliance Reporting
generateCrossBorderComplianceReport(period: { start: number; end: number }): {
totalTransfers: number
compliantTransfers: number
violations: number
riskAssessments: {
low: number
medium: number
high: number
}
topDestinationCountries: Array<{ country: string; count: number }>
transferMechanisms: Record<string, number>
} {
const periodTransfers = Array.from(this.transferRecords.values())
.filter(record => record.complianceCheck >= period.start && record.complianceCheck <= period.end)
const compliantTransfers = periodTransfers.filter(t => t.approved).length
// Analyze risk levels
const riskAssessments = periodTransfers.reduce(
(acc, transfer) => {
acc[transfer.riskAssessment.riskLevel]++
return acc
},
{ low: 0, medium: 0, high: 0 }
)
// Count destination countries
const countryCounts = new Map<string, number>()
periodTransfers.forEach(transfer => {
const count = countryCounts.get(transfer.destinationCountry) || 0
countryCounts.set(transfer.destinationCountry, count + 1)
})
const topDestinationCountries = Array.from(countryCounts.entries())
.sort(([, a], [, b]) => b - a)
.slice(0, 10)
.map(([country, count]) => ({ country, count }))
// Count transfer mechanisms
const transferMechanisms = periodTransfers.reduce(
(acc, transfer) => {
acc[transfer.transferMechanism] = (acc[transfer.transferMechanism] || 0) + 1
return acc
},
{} as Record<string, number>
)
return {
totalTransfers: periodTransfers.length,
compliantTransfers,
violations: periodTransfers.length - compliantTransfers,
riskAssessments,
topDestinationCountries,
transferMechanisms
}
}
}
// Initialize GDPR cross-border compliance engine
const gdprConfig: GDPRComplianceConfig = {
dataSubjectRights: {
access: true,
rectification: true,
erasure: true,
restriction: true,
portability: true,
objection: true
},
dataProcessing: {
consentRequired: true,
legitimateInterest: true,
contract: true,
legalObligation: true,
vitalInterests: true,
publicTask: true
},
dataRetention: {
defaultPeriod: 365,
maxPeriod: 2555,
automaticDeletion: true
},
consentManagement: {
explicitConsent: true,
withdrawalMechanism: true,
consentAudit: true
},
dataSecurity: {
encryption: true,
pseudonymization: true,
accessLogging: true
},
crossBorderTransfers: {
adequacyDecisions: true,
bindingCorporateRules: true,
standardContractualClauses: true,
certifications: true
}
}
const crossBorderGDPRCompliance = new CrossBorderGDPRComplianceEngine(gdprConfig)
// Cross-border GDPR compliance validation endpoint
app.post('/api/gdpr/validate-cross-border-transfer', async (req, res) => {
try {
const {
dataSubjectId,
sourceCountry,
destinationCountry,
dataCategories,
transferPurpose,
legalBasis,
transferMechanism,
safeguards,
retentionPeriod
} = req.body
if (!dataSubjectId || !sourceCountry || !destinationCountry || !dataCategories || !transferPurpose) {
return res.status(400).json({
error: 'dataSubjectId, sourceCountry, destinationCountry, dataCategories, and transferPurpose required'
})
}
const request: CrossBorderTransferRequest = {
dataSubjectId,
sourceCountry,
destinationCountry,
dataCategories,
transferPurpose,
legalBasis: legalBasis || 'legitimate_interest',
transferMechanism: transferMechanism || 'adequacy',
safeguards,
retentionPeriod: retentionPeriod || 365
}
const result = await crossBorderGDPRCompliance.validateCrossBorderTransfer(request)
res.json({
compliance: result,
timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
})
} catch (error) {
console.error('Cross-border GDPR compliance validation error:', error)
res.status(500).json({ error: 'Cross-border validation failed' })
}
})
// Cross-border data subject rights endpoint
app.post('/api/gdpr/cross-border-data-subject-request', async (req, res) => {
try {
const { dataSubjectId, right, sourceCountry, destinationCountry } = req.body
if (!dataSubjectId || !right) {
return res.status(400).json({ error: 'dataSubjectId and right required' })
}
const result = await crossBorderGDPRCompliance.handleCrossBorderDataSubjectRequest(
dataSubjectId,
right,
sourceCountry,
destinationCountry
)
res.json({
request: result,
timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
})
} catch (error) {
console.error('Cross-border data subject request handling error:', error)
res.status(500).json({ error: 'Request handling failed' })
}
})
// Cross-border compliance report endpoint
app.get('/api/gdpr/cross-border-compliance-report', (req, res) => {
try {
const { startDate, endDate } = req.query
const start = startDate ? new Date(startDate as string).getTime() : Date.now() - 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000
const end = endDate ? new Date(endDate as string).getTime() : Date.now()
const report = crossBorderGDPRCompliance.generateCrossBorderComplianceReport({ start, end })
res.json({
report,
period: { start, end },
timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
})
} catch (error) {
console.error('Cross-border compliance report generation error:', error)
res.status(500).json({ error: 'Report generation failed' })
}
})
console.log('Cross-Border GDPR Compliance Engine initialized')International Data Transfer Compliance System
// Comprehensive international data transfer compliance system
interface InternationalComplianceConfig {
gdpr: {
enabled: boolean
adequacyDecisions: boolean
standardContractualClauses: boolean
bindingCorporateRules: boolean
}
ccpa: {
enabled: boolean
nonDiscrimination: boolean
optOutMechanism: boolean
}
lgpd: {
enabled: boolean
dataSubjectRights: boolean
dataProtectionOfficer: boolean
}
pdpa: {
enabled: boolean
consentManagement: boolean
crossBorderRequirements: boolean
}
pipeda: {
enabled: boolean
consentRequirements: boolean
accountability: boolean
}
transferMechanisms: {
adequacyDecisions: string[]
sccs: string[]
bcrs: string[]
certifications: string[]
derogations: string[]
}
}
interface DataTransferAssessment {
transferId: string
source: {
country: string
region: string
dataProtectionLevel: 'adequate' | 'partial' | 'inadequate'
}
destination: {
country: string
region: string
dataProtectionLevel: 'adequate' | 'partial' | 'inadequate'
applicableLaws: string[]
}
data: {
categories: string[]
sensitivity: 'low' | 'medium' | 'high' | 'critical'
volume: number
retentionPeriod: number
}
purpose: {
primaryPurpose: string
secondaryPurposes: string[]
legitimateInterest?: string
}
legalBases: string[]
transferMechanism: string
safeguards: string[]
riskAssessment: {
overallRisk: 'low' | 'medium' | 'high'
dataBreachRisk: number
unauthorizedAccessRisk: number
retentionRisk: number
thirdCountryRisk: number
}
complianceStatus: 'compliant' | 'conditional' | 'non_compliant'
recommendations: string[]
}
class InternationalDataTransferComplianceSystem {
private config: InternationalComplianceConfig
private transferAssessments: Map<string, DataTransferAssessment> = new Map()
private countryProfiles: Map<string, any> = new Map()
constructor(config: InternationalComplianceConfig) {
this.config = config
this.initializeCountryProfiles()
}
async assessDataTransfer(
sourceCountry: string,
destinationCountry: string,
dataCategories: string[],
purpose: string,
legalBasis: string[]
): Promise<DataTransferAssessment> {
const transferId = this.generateTransferId()
try {
// Get country profiles
const sourceProfile = this.getCountryProfile(sourceCountry)
const destinationProfile = this.getCountryProfile(destinationCountry)
// Assess data sensitivity
const sensitivity = this.assessDataSensitivity(dataCategories)
// Determine applicable legal frameworks
const applicableLaws = this.determineApplicableLaws(destinationCountry)
// Evaluate transfer mechanism
const transferMechanism = this.determineTransferMechanism(sourceProfile, destinationProfile)
// Assess risks
const riskAssessment = this.performRiskAssessment(
sourceProfile,
destinationProfile,
dataCategories,
sensitivity
)
// Generate compliance recommendations
const recommendations = this.generateComplianceRecommendations(
transferMechanism,
riskAssessment,
applicableLaws
)
// Determine compliance status
const complianceStatus = this.determineComplianceStatus(
transferMechanism,
riskAssessment,
recommendations
)
const assessment: DataTransferAssessment = {
transferId,
source: sourceProfile,
destination: destinationProfile,
data: {
categories: dataCategories,
sensitivity,
volume: 1000, // In production, calculate actual volume
retentionPeriod: 365 // In production, use actual retention period
},
purpose: {
primaryPurpose: purpose,
secondaryPurposes: ['analytics', 'improvement']
},
legalBases: legalBasis,
transferMechanism,
safeguards: this.getApplicableSafeguards(transferMechanism, destinationCountry),
riskAssessment,
complianceStatus,
recommendations
}
this.transferAssessments.set(transferId, assessment)
return assessment
} catch (error) {
console.error('International data transfer assessment failed:', error)
return {
transferId,
source: this.getCountryProfile(sourceCountry),
destination: this.getCountryProfile(destinationCountry),
data: {
categories: dataCategories,
sensitivity: 'high',
volume: 0,
retentionPeriod: 0
},
purpose: {
primaryPurpose: purpose,
secondaryPurposes: []
},
legalBases: [],
transferMechanism: 'unknown',
safeguards: [],
riskAssessment: {
overallRisk: 'high',
dataBreachRisk: 100,
unauthorizedAccessRisk: 100,
retentionRisk: 100,
thirdCountryRisk: 100
},
complianceStatus: 'non_compliant',
recommendations: ['Assessment failed - manual review required']
}
}
}
private assessDataSensitivity(dataCategories: string[]): 'low' | 'medium' | 'high' | 'critical' {
const criticalCategories = ['health_data', 'biometric_data', 'genetic_data', 'criminal_records']
const highCategories = ['personal_data', 'financial_data', 'location_data']
const mediumCategories = ['contact_data', 'behavioral_data', 'preferences']
if (dataCategories.some(cat => criticalCategories.includes(cat))) {
return 'critical'
}
if (dataCategories.some(cat => highCategories.includes(cat))) {
return 'high'
}
if (dataCategories.some(cat => mediumCategories.includes(cat))) {
return 'medium'
}
return 'low'
}
private determineApplicableLaws(country: string): string[] {
const laws: string[] = []
// GDPR (EU countries + countries with GDPR-like laws)
if (this.isGDPREquivalent(country)) {
laws.push('GDPR')
}
// CCPA (California, US)
if (country === 'US' && this.hasCCPAEquivalent(country)) {
laws.push('CCPA')
}
// LGPD (Brazil)
if (country === 'BR') {
laws.push('LGPD')
}
// PDPA (Thailand, Singapore, etc.)
if (this.isPDPACompliant(country)) {
laws.push('PDPA')
}
// PIPEDA (Canada)
if (country === 'CA') {
laws.push('PIPEDA')
}
return laws
}
private isGDPREquivalent(country: string): boolean {
const gdprCountries = [
'AT', 'BE', 'BG', 'HR', 'CY', 'CZ', 'DK', 'EE', 'FI', 'FR', 'DE', 'GR', 'HU',
'IE', 'IT', 'LV', 'LT', 'LU', 'MT', 'NL', 'PL', 'PT', 'RO', 'SK', 'SI', 'ES', 'SE'
]
return gdprCountries.includes(country) || country === 'GB' || country === 'CH' || country === 'NO'
}
private hasCCPAEquivalent(country: string): boolean {
return country === 'US' // In production, check for state-level privacy laws
}
private isPDPACompliant(country: string): boolean {
const pdpaCountries = ['TH', 'SG', 'MY', 'PH', 'ID', 'VN']
return pdpaCountries.includes(country)
}
private determineTransferMechanism(
sourceProfile: any,
destinationProfile: any
): string {
// Determine appropriate transfer mechanism based on country profiles
if (destinationProfile.dataProtectionLevel === 'adequate') {
return 'adequacy_decision'
}
if (sourceProfile.dataProtectionLevel === 'adequate' &&
destinationProfile.dataProtectionLevel === 'partial') {
return 'standard_contractual_clauses'
}
if (this.hasBindingCorporateRules(sourceProfile.country)) {
return 'binding_corporate_rules'
}
return 'standard_contractual_clauses'
}
private performRiskAssessment(
sourceProfile: any,
destinationProfile: any,
dataCategories: string[],
sensitivity: string
): DataTransferAssessment['riskAssessment'] {
let dataBreachRisk = 20 // Base risk
let unauthorizedAccessRisk = 15
let retentionRisk = 10
let thirdCountryRisk = 25
// Adjust based on data sensitivity
switch (sensitivity) {
case 'critical':
dataBreachRisk += 50
unauthorizedAccessRisk += 40
break
case 'high':
dataBreachRisk += 30
unauthorizedAccessRisk += 25
break
case 'medium':
dataBreachRisk += 15
unauthorizedAccessRisk += 10
break
}
// Adjust based on destination country
if (destinationProfile.dataProtectionLevel === 'inadequate') {
thirdCountryRisk += 40
} else if (destinationProfile.dataProtectionLevel === 'partial') {
thirdCountryRisk += 20
}
// Calculate overall risk
const overallRiskScore = (dataBreachRisk + unauthorizedAccessRisk + retentionRisk + thirdCountryRisk) / 4
const overallRisk = overallRiskScore > 60 ? 'high' : overallRiskScore > 30 ? 'medium' : 'low'
return {
overallRisk,
dataBreachRisk: Math.min(dataBreachRisk, 100),
unauthorizedAccessRisk: Math.min(unauthorizedAccessRisk, 100),
retentionRisk: Math.min(retentionRisk, 100),
thirdCountryRisk: Math.min(thirdCountryRisk, 100)
}
}
private generateComplianceRecommendations(
transferMechanism: string,
riskAssessment: any,
applicableLaws: string[]
): string[] {
const recommendations: string[] = []
// Mechanism-specific recommendations
switch (transferMechanism) {
case 'adequacy_decision':
recommendations.push('Monitor adequacy decision validity')
break
case 'standard_contractual_clauses':
recommendations.push('Implement and maintain SCCs')
recommendations.push('Conduct regular compliance audits')
break
case 'binding_corporate_rules':
recommendations.push('Ensure BCR approval is current')
recommendations.push('Train staff on BCR requirements')
break
}
// Risk-based recommendations
if (riskAssessment.overallRisk === 'high') {
recommendations.push('Implement enhanced security measures')
recommendations.push('Conduct privacy impact assessment')
recommendations.push('Obtain explicit consent where required')
}
// Law-specific recommendations
if (applicableLaws.includes('GDPR')) {
recommendations.push('Appoint EU representative if required')
recommendations.push('Maintain records of processing activities')
}
if (applicableLaws.includes('CCPA')) {
recommendations.push('Implement do-not-sell mechanism')
recommendations.push('Provide privacy notice at collection')
}
return recommendations
}
private determineComplianceStatus(
transferMechanism: string,
riskAssessment: any,
recommendations: string[]
): 'compliant' | 'conditional' | 'non_compliant' {
if (riskAssessment.overallRisk === 'high' && !recommendations.some(r => r.includes('enhanced'))) {
return 'non_compliant'
}
if (riskAssessment.overallRisk === 'medium' || recommendations.length > 5) {
return 'conditional'
}
return 'compliant'
}
private getApplicableSafeguards(transferMechanism: string, country: string): string[] {
const safeguards: string[] = []
switch (transferMechanism) {
case 'adequacy_decision':
safeguards.push('EU Adequacy Decision')
break
case 'standard_contractual_clauses':
safeguards.push('EU SCCs 2021')
safeguards.push('Supplementary measures')
break
case 'binding_corporate_rules':
safeguards.push('Approved BCR')
break
case 'certification':
safeguards.push('Approved certification scheme')
break
}
return safeguards
}
private hasBindingCorporateRules(country: string): boolean {
// In production, check company BCR database
return ['US', 'CA', 'AU'].includes(country)
}
private initializeCountryProfiles(): void {
// In production, load comprehensive country data protection profiles
// For demo, populate with sample data
const profiles = [
{
country: 'US',
region: 'North America',
dataProtectionLevel: 'partial',
applicableLaws: ['CCPA', 'State Laws'],
enforcement: 'FTC, State AGs',
penalties: 'Civil penalties, class actions',
lastUpdated: Date.now()
},
{
country: 'DE',
region: 'Europe',
dataProtectionLevel: 'adequate',
applicableLaws: ['GDPR', 'BDSG'],
enforcement: 'Data Protection Authorities',
penalties: 'Administrative fines up to 4% global turnover',
lastUpdated: Date.now()
}
]
profiles.forEach(profile => {
this.countryProfiles.set(profile.country, profile)
})
}
private getCountryProfile(country: string): any {
return this.countryProfiles.get(country) || {
country,
region: 'Unknown',
dataProtectionLevel: 'inadequate',
applicableLaws: ['Unknown'],
enforcement: 'Unknown',
penalties: 'Unknown'
}
}
private generateTransferId(): string {
return `transfer_${Date.now()}_${Math.random().toString(36).substr(2, 9)}`
}
// Generate compliance report
generateComplianceReport(period: { start: number; end: number }): {
totalAssessments: number
compliantTransfers: number
conditionalTransfers: number
nonCompliantTransfers: number
riskDistribution: Record<string, number>
topDestinationCountries: Array<{ country: string; count: number }>
mechanismUsage: Record<string, number>
} {
const periodAssessments = Array.from(this.transferAssessments.values())
.filter(assessment => assessment.transferId.includes(period.start.toString().substring(0, 10)))
const compliantTransfers = periodAssessments.filter(a => a.complianceStatus === 'compliant').length
const conditionalTransfers = periodAssessments.filter(a => a.complianceStatus === 'conditional').length
const nonCompliantTransfers = periodAssessments.filter(a => a.complianceStatus === 'non_compliant').length
// Risk distribution
const riskDistribution = periodAssessments.reduce(
(acc, assessment) => {
acc[assessment.riskAssessment.overallRisk] = (acc[assessment.riskAssessment.overallRisk] || 0) + 1
return acc
},
{} as Record<string, number>
)
// Top destination countries
const countryCounts = new Map<string, number>()
periodAssessments.forEach(assessment => {
const count = countryCounts.get(assessment.destination.country) || 0
countryCounts.set(assessment.destination.country, count + 1)
})
const topDestinationCountries = Array.from(countryCounts.entries())
.sort(([, a], [, b]) => b - a)
.slice(0, 10)
.map(([country, count]) => ({ country, count }))
// Transfer mechanism usage
const mechanismUsage = periodAssessments.reduce(
(acc, assessment) => {
acc[assessment.transferMechanism] = (acc[assessment.transferMechanism] || 0) + 1
return acc
},
{} as Record<string, number>
)
return {
totalAssessments: periodAssessments.length,
compliantTransfers,
conditionalTransfers,
nonCompliantTransfers,
riskDistribution,
topDestinationCountries,
mechanismUsage
}
}
}
// Initialize international data transfer compliance system
const internationalComplianceConfig: InternationalComplianceConfig = {
gdpr: {
enabled: true,
adequacyDecisions: true,
standardContractualClauses: true,
bindingCorporateRules: true
},
ccpa: {
enabled: true,
nonDiscrimination: true,
optOutMechanism: true
},
lgpd: {
enabled: true,
dataSubjectRights: true,
dataProtectionOfficer: true
},
pdpa: {
enabled: true,
consentManagement: true,
crossBorderRequirements: true
},
pipeda: {
enabled: true,
consentRequirements: true,
accountability: true
},
transferMechanisms: {
adequacyDecisions: ['EU', 'UK', 'CH'],
sccs: ['US', 'CA', 'AU', 'JP', 'KR'],
bcrs: ['US', 'CA', 'AU'],
certifications: ['US', 'CA', 'CH'],
derogations: ['compelling_legitimate_interests', 'vital_interests', 'public_interest']
}
}
const internationalComplianceSystem = new InternationalDataTransferComplianceSystem(internationalComplianceConfig)
// International data transfer assessment endpoint
app.post('/api/compliance/assess-transfer', async (req, res) => {
try {
const { sourceCountry, destinationCountry, dataCategories, purpose, legalBasis } = req.body
if (!sourceCountry || !destinationCountry || !dataCategories || !purpose) {
return res.status(400).json({
error: 'sourceCountry, destinationCountry, dataCategories, and purpose required'
})
}
const assessment = await internationalComplianceSystem.assessDataTransfer(
sourceCountry,
destinationCountry,
dataCategories,
purpose,
legalBasis || ['legitimate_interest']
)
res.json({
assessment,
timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
})
} catch (error) {
console.error('International compliance assessment error:', error)
res.status(500).json({ error: 'Assessment failed' })
}
})
// Compliance report endpoint
app.get('/api/compliance/report', (req, res) => {
try {
const { startDate, endDate } = req.query
const start = startDate ? new Date(startDate as string).getTime() : Date.now() - 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000
const end = endDate ? new Date(endDate as string).getTime() : Date.now()
const report = internationalComplianceSystem.generateComplianceReport({ start, end })
res.json({
report,
period: { start, end },
timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
})
} catch (error) {
console.error('Compliance report generation error:', error)
res.status(500).json({ error: 'Report generation failed' })
}
})
console.log('International Data Transfer Compliance System initialized')Practical Implementation Examples {#practical-implementations}
1) Cross-border policy engine (decide transfer path, mask level, and mechanism):
type TransferCtx = { src: string; dst: string; purpose: 'fraud'|'personalization'|'legal'; sensitivity: 'low'|'high' }
function decideTransfer(ctx: TransferCtx) {
const adequate = ['EEA','GB','CH','NZ','JP','KR']
const isAdequate = adequate.includes(ctx.dst)
const mechanism = isAdequate ? 'adequacy' : 'SCC-Module-2'
const maskLevel = ctx.purpose === 'personalization' ? 'city-only' : 'region-only'
const retentionDays = ctx.purpose === 'fraud' ? 365 : 90
return { mechanism, maskLevel, retentionDays }
}2) Regionalization pattern (keep raw in-region, export derived):
- Raw IP and full resolution geo retained in-region storage; export only hashed IP and country/region for analytics.
- Use message bus with field-level encryption; consumers outside region decrypt only allowed fields.
3) Consent and opt-out signals:
- Respect GPC and store opt-out scope per region; degrade to non-personalized localization when opted-out.
Operational Controls and Playbooks {#operational-controls}
- Data lifecycle: configurable TTL by purpose; enforce deletion jobs; verify with deletion proofs.
- Subprocessor management: DPAs, audits, SCC flow-down, breach clauses; maintain live registry.
- Key management: KMS/HSM backed keys, rotation ≤ 90 days for sensitive contexts, access logging with immutable store.
- Access: break-glass with approvals, session recording, periodic access recertifications.
- Testing: privacy unit tests (masking, purpose gates), TIA unit snapshots, SCC module choice tests.
Monitoring, Auditing, and Evidence {#monitoring-and-auditing}
- Evidence artifacts: signed DPA versions, SCC annexes, TIA records, adequacy cache, key-rotation logs, deletion job logs.
- Dashboards: transfers by mechanism and destination, TIA outcomes, opt-out rates, retention backlog, access anomalies.
- Alerts: adequacy change, SCC update, overdue DPIA, key not rotated, failed deletion, unusual cross-region queries.
Conclusion {#conclusion}
For IP geolocation workloads, sustainable cross-border compliance combines minimization, regionalization, strong cryptography, and explicit transfer mechanisms (SCC/BCR/DPF) evidenced by living records (RoPA, TIAs, DPAs). Build controls into the pipeline rather than bolting them on.
We can help design and audit these controls end-to-end, from SCC selection to evidence automation.