1. Processing Description
What data is collected, why it is processed, and which systems are involved.
Last Updated: May 2026
Purpose
What Is a DPIA?
A Data Protection Impact Assessment is a structured way to identify privacy risks before launching a product, data initiative, analytics use case, or high-risk processing activity.
This guide helps teams think through risk, data flows, consent, vendors, access, retention, and safeguards.
When to assess
When a DPIA-Style Review Helps
Launching a new app or digital platform
Using customer analytics or profiling
Processing children’s or sensitive data
Sharing data with multiple vendors
Introducing AI or automation on personal data
Moving personal data into cloud or warehouses
Structure
Sample DPIA Structure
2. Data Flow Mapping
Where data originates, where it moves, who accesses it, and which vendors receive it.
3. Risk Identification
Assess risks around consent, over-collection, access, retention, security, and misuse.
4. Mitigation Controls
Define masking, minimization, access controls, notices, consent, and retention safeguards.