DPIA – Data Protection Impact Assessment: When and How to Conduct It
What is DPIA and when is it mandatory? Methodology for conducting data protection impact assessments under GDPR.
DPIA (Data Protection Impact Assessment) is a risk management tool required by GDPR for processing operations that may cause high risk to individuals rights and freedoms. Proper DPIA conduct is not just a legal requirement but a practical tool for organization protection.
When is DPIA mandatory?
DPIA is required (Art. 35) when processing may cause high risk. Always mandatory for: systematic evaluation of personal aspects (profiling), large-scale processing of special category data, systematic monitoring of public areas. DPAs publish lists of operations requiring DPIA. When in doubt - better to conduct one.
What should DPIA contain?
DPIA must contain (Art. 35(7)): description of processing operations and purposes, assessment of necessity and proportionality, assessment of risks to individuals rights and freedoms, measures planned to address risks. Document should be detailed and documented. If residual risk is high - consultation with supervisory authority is required.
How to conduct risk assessment in DPIA?
Risk assessment includes: identifying threats (confidentiality, integrity, availability breach), assessing likelihood of occurrence, assessing severity of consequences for individuals, determining risk level (risk matrix), identifying mitigating measures. Methodology can be based on ISO 27005, ENISA or industry frameworks. Documenting the process is key.
DPIA and Privacy by Design
DPIA is part of Privacy by Design approach - considering data protection from design stage. DPIA should be conducted BEFORE processing starts, not after. DPIA results influence system architecture, vendor selection, security measures. Regular DPIA reviews are required when processing changes.
Wizards.io tools support DPIA process. **Revelio** and **Detecto** identify personal data, enabling precise processing scope definition. **Nocturno** offers anonymization as risk-minimizing measure. **Oblivio** ensures retention compliance as defined in DPIA.
DPIA is not bureaucracy but a practical risk management tool. Properly conducted, it protects the organization from breaches and fines, and individuals from harm.