Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)
What is Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)?
Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)A structured assessment, required by GDPR Article 35, that identifies and mitigates risks to individuals' rights and freedoms before high-risk personal data processing begins.
A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is a process required by Article 35 of the EU GDPR (and equivalent provisions in the UK GDPR, Brazilian LGPD, and other privacy laws) when processing is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons. The controller documents the nature, scope, context, and purposes of processing; assesses necessity and proportionality; analyzes risks to data subjects; and defines mitigating measures. Triggers include systematic monitoring, large-scale special-category data, and automated decisions with legal effects. If residual risks remain high, the controller must consult the supervisory authority before processing. DPIAs are also widely used as best practice outside GDPR jurisdictions.
● Examples
- 01
A retailer conducting a DPIA before deploying facial-recognition cameras to detect shoplifters.
- 02
An HR team running a DPIA before introducing AI-based candidate screening that involves automated decisions.
● Frequently asked questions
What is Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)?
A structured assessment, required by GDPR Article 35, that identifies and mitigates risks to individuals' rights and freedoms before high-risk personal data processing begins. It belongs to the Compliance & Frameworks category of cybersecurity.
What does Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) mean?
A structured assessment, required by GDPR Article 35, that identifies and mitigates risks to individuals' rights and freedoms before high-risk personal data processing begins.
How do you defend against Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)?
Defences for Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) typically combine technical controls and operational practices, as detailed in the full definition above.
What are other names for Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)?
Common alternative names include: DPIA, Privacy Impact Assessment, PIA.