To ensure applications can seamlessly access data in Azure while adhering to regulations, what would be the best recommendation?

Implementing Azure Private Link is the best recommendation for ensuring applications can seamlessly access data in Azure while adhering to regulations. Azure Private Link enables private connectivity to various Azure services over the Azure backbone network. This means that data traffic does not traverse the public internet, significantly enhancing security and compliance with data protection regulations.

By using Azure Private Link, organizations can connect their virtual network to Azure services, keeping traffic secure and private. This is especially critical for industries with stringent data privacy regulations, as it helps limit exposure to data breaches and allows for better control over data access. Additionally, Azure Private Link simplifies network architecture and enables users to access services without needing public IP addresses, further reducing potential attack vectors.

In contrast, while Azure VPN Gateway offers secure site-to-site connections over public networks, it still relies on the public internet and may not meet certain compliance requirements as strictly as Private Link would. Azure ExpressRoute provides a dedicated, private connection but may be more complex and costly to set up when direct service access is what is mainly needed. Establishing Azure Virtual Networks is fundamental for resource organization and connectivity, but it doesn't specifically address the requirement for data privacy and regulatory compliance as effectively as Azure Private Link does.