The rapid digital transformation has positioned data governance and privacy as critical priorities in modern database architecture. This article addresses the complex interplay between regulatory compliance, technical implementation, and ethical considerations in data management. Through comprehensive assessment of global privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, it demonstrates how organizations are adapting database architectures to meet evolving compliance requirements. The article evaluates the implementation of Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) systems, highlighting their effectiveness in managing data access permissions and security protocols. Advanced data protection mechanisms, including encryption, masking, and tokenization strategies, are examined to understand their role in safeguarding sensitive information. The discussion extends to global compliance frameworks and their impact on cross-border data transfers, emphasizing the importance of automated compliance monitoring and privacy impact assessments. The article concludes by exploring ethical dimensions in data governance, focusing on privacy-enhancing technologies, automated compliance systems, and the economic benefits of responsible data stewardship. Throughout, the emphasis remains on practical implementation strategies and measurable outcomes in creating resilient, compliant database architectures.
Keywords: compliance frameworks, data privacy regulation, data protection mechanisms, database security architecture, ethical data governance, role-based access control