What is a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA)?

A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), or Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), is a process introduced under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to help organisations assess the potential risks their data processing activities may pose to individuals' privacy. A PIA must be carried out before initiating any processing activity that could result in high risks to the rights and freedoms of individuals, particularly when processing involves sensitive personal data or large-scale data collection. This assessment helps organisations identify and address potential privacy risks before they occur.

Specific scenarios triggering the need for a PIA include processing activities like profiling, automated decision-making with legal consequences, or large-scale monitoring. If the processing meets multiple criteria indicating high risk, a DPIA is mandatory. Even if there is uncertainty about the risk level, it's advisable to carry out a PIA to ensure compliance and mitigate any potential issues.

Organisations with Data Protection Officers (DPOs) must consult them during the PIA process, ensuring that all potential privacy impacts are considered. The process should be reviewed and updated regularly, typically at least every three years, to account for any changes in data processing practices.