An advisory opinion is a formal, non-binding interpretation or guidance issued by a legal or regulatory authority—such as a government agency, court, or commission—regarding the application of specific laws, regulations, or legal principles. In cybersecurity and data protection contexts, these opinions provide valuable clarity on complex statutory requirements affecting digital assets, data handling practices, incident reporting protocols, cross-border data transfers, and privacy impact assessments. Organizations frequently seek advisory opinions to better understand their compliance obligations and align their governance frameworks with regulatory expectations.

While advisory opinions do not establish legally binding precedent like court judgments or administrative rulings, they offer authoritative insight into how regulators are likely to interpret legal requirements. This guidance enables organizations to proactively adapt their cybersecurity strategies, privacy policies, and operational practices to mitigate risks and avoid potential enforcement actions. By leveraging advisory opinions, businesses can navigate ambiguous regulatory landscapes more confidently and maintain alignment with evolving information security and privacy standards.