In privacy risk management, when is a data privacy impact assessment (DPIA) typically required?

In privacy risk management, when is a data privacy impact assessment (DPIA) typically required?

• A. For routine processing of non-sensitive data.
• B. Only when required by law.
• C. When processing high-risk data or new systems.
• D. DPIAs are never required.

Answer: (C)

A DPIA is a risk-management step used to anticipate and mitigate privacy risks early in a project. It is typically required when the processing of personal data is high risk or when a new system or technology is being introduced. This covers scenarios like large-scale data processing, systematic monitoring, or handling sensitive data, where the potential impact on individuals’ rights is significant. For routine processing of non-sensitive data with low risk, a DPIA is usually not needed, though some laws require one in specific high-risk contexts. The key idea is that DPIAs are triggered by risk and novelty—high-risk or new systems call for a DPIA to identify and put in safeguards in place before moving forward.

A DPIA is a risk-management step used to anticipate and mitigate privacy risks early in a project. It is typically required when the processing of personal data is high risk or when a new system or technology is being introduced. This covers scenarios like large-scale data processing, systematic monitoring, or handling sensitive data, where the potential impact on individuals’ rights is significant. For routine processing of non-sensitive data with low risk, a DPIA is usually not needed, though some laws require one in specific high-risk contexts. The key idea is that DPIAs are triggered by risk and novelty—high-risk or new systems call for a DPIA to identify and put in safeguards in place before moving forward.