In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the role of data privacy consultants has become critically important. To understand their future, we must first appreciate their current role: these professionals primarily ensure that an organization's data collection, storage, and processing mechanisms align with prevailing legal, ethical, and industry standards. These tasks are vital in an era marked by increasing consumer awareness of data privacy rights, stringent privacy laws, and heightened corporate vigilance towards data breaches.

However, data privacy does not operate in a vacuum. It is intrinsically linked to the broader technology landscape which is rapidly transforming under the influence of emerging trends like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain. In this context, data privacy consultants will need to adapt and evolve to stay relevant. Let's explore a few predictions and emerging trends that will shape the future of this profession.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are becoming more mainstream, and with their proliferation comes the challenge of ensuring privacy. On the one hand, these technologies hold immense potential for improving data privacy mechanisms, such as AI-powered privacy monitoring tools and ML algorithms that can detect potential data breaches. On the other hand, they heighten privacy concerns as they often require vast amounts of data, potentially exposing sensitive information. Data privacy consultants will need to navigate this paradoxical landscape, striking a balance between leveraging these technologies and safeguarding privacy.

The Internet of Things presents another challenge and opportunity for data privacy consultants. As more devices connect to the internet, creating an intricate web of interconnected data, the potential for data breaches and privacy infringement escalates. Consequently, the role of data privacy consultants will expand to manage and protect this burgeoning data universe. Concepts such as Privacy by Design, which advocate for privacy to be embedded in the product design phase itself, will become central to their modus operandi.

Blockchain, known for its decentralization and transparency, is another technological trend impacting data privacy. While it offers robust security features, its immutable and transparent nature raises complex privacy issues. For instance, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) stipulates the 'right to be forgotten', a requirement challenging to meet given blockchain's immutable nature. This situation calls for data privacy consultants to delve into the subtleties of such technologies, marrying technological prowess with legal literacy.

Regulatory landscapes are also evolving, with countries and regions adopting unique stances on data privacy. For instance, while GDPR highlights European Union's commitment to privacy, China's cybersecurity law underscores its focus on data localization. Navigating this intricate and heterogeneous landscape will be a core part of data privacy consultants' duties. Their expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that multinational corporations comply with contrasting regional regulations without compromising their operations.

Finally, the future of data privacy consultants will be marked not just by changes in their role, but also their modus operandi. As with other professions, remote working will become more prevalent, requiring these consultants to adapt to virtual collaboration and remote privacy audits. Moreover, they will potentially serve as educators and influencers, driving awareness about data privacy among employees, customers, and the broader public, in a world increasingly wary of data breaches and privacy infringement.

In conclusion, the future of data privacy consultants is certain to be dynamic, challenging, and rewarding. As the custodians of privacy in an increasingly digital and interconnected world, their role will expand and evolve, shaped by technological advancements, changing regulations, and a global shift towards remote work and digital collaboration. Remaining agile, continuously learning, and adapting to these changes will be key to their success. This evolution underlines the importance of data privacy consultants in our future - a future where data privacy will be integral, not just to businesses, but to society at large.