In terms of regulatory compliance, what does PCI DSS represent?

PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It is indeed an industry regulation specifically designed to enhance security and protect credit and debit card transaction data. This standard is applicable to all entities involved in payment card processing, including merchants, processors, and card issuers. Being an industry regulation means that it is established by the payment card industry and not mandated by governmental law; instead, organizations that handle cardholder information are required to comply in order to maintain their ability to process payment cards.

This distinct status sets PCI DSS apart from federal laws, state regulations, or organizational guidelines, which typically involve compliance dictated by government entities or internal policies rather than a consensus from an industry consortium dedicated to payment card security.