For creative agencies and design studios managing multi-brand campaigns, the stakes around data privacy are higher than ever. In an environment where agencies often juggle overlapping timelines, teams, and digital platforms across multiple clients, protecting sensitive information isn’t just a best practice – it’s a business necessity.
From intellectual property and campaign strategies to customer insights and media assets, client data is often confidential and potentially subject to privacy laws. Failing to safeguard this information can put both your clients’ reputations and your own business at risk.
In this article, we’ll explore the key data privacy considerations for agencies and teams working across multiple brands, especially in today’s complex digital ecosystem.
Agencies working with several clients at once often use shared resources, creative teams, and collaboration platforms. While this structure offers flexibility, it also introduces certain vulnerabilities, particularly around data leakage and mismanagement. Whether it’s a file accidentally shared with the wrong brand manager or an overlooked user permission in a cloud-based tool, risks can sneak in easily.
This challenge becomes even more critical as studios adopt AI and advanced analytics to streamline content production and personalize campaigns. As large volumes of data flow through various systems, the potential for breaches or accidental exposure increases.
Experts have raised particular concerns about large language model (LLM) security, especially when generative AI tools are used to process or generate campaign content. Without clear boundaries and access controls, sensitive brand data could inadvertently feed future outputs, risking confidentiality breaches or reputational damage.
Here are several core areas where agencies should focus their efforts to protect client data:
Keeping data and files separate between clients is essential for minimizing cross-contamination or accidental exposure. Some tips include:
Use project-specific folders, tools, and logins
Limit access only to team members working on a specific brand
Avoid using general “shared drives” or loosely permissioned repositories
If your campaigns collect or manage user data, especially customer insights, tracking information, or personalization elements, you need to understand applicable privacy laws. A few things to keep in mind are:
Know the differences between GDPR, CCPA, and other regional regulations
Work with legal teams to establish compliant data collection and handling practices
Ensure vendors and platforms you use also meet compliance standards
With the rise of AI-generated content and automation tools, studios must be careful about how they input and store client data. Don’t forget to:
Avoid feeding proprietary brand information into unsecured AI tools
Create internal policies on acceptable use for generative AI or LLMs
Work with providers that prioritize secure infrastructure and privacy-aware architecture
Running an AI security risk assessment can also help agencies evaluate risks tied to generative AI use and ensure safeguards are in place before deploying these tools in client campaigns.
Make sure your clients understand your approach to data handling and the steps you take to protect their information. Ways you can achieve that include:
Include data privacy clauses in contracts
Provide regular updates about how their assets and information are stored and shared
Be proactive in flagging any potential vulnerabilities or changes in your data policy
Protecting client data in a multi-brand environment isn’t just about compliance – it’s about trust. Clients count on your agency to act as a strategic partner, and safeguarding their information is part of delivering on that promise.
Whether you’re using advanced analytics, managing AI-assisted workflows, or simply storing brand assets, developing strong data hygiene practices is essential. As tools like generative AI continue to evolve, so too must your approach to digital security. Keeping up with trends like large language model (LLM) security can help your studio avoid costly missteps and ensure that confidentiality remains a top priority.
