Understanding Data Privacy Impact Assessments: Legal Requirements, Risk Assessment, And Best Practices

With the arrival of Data Privacy Day, the spotlight shines on the critical importance of safeguarding personal data and adhering to evolving privacy regulations. For privacy officers, attorneys, and executives tasked with steering their organizations through a labyrinth of legal obligations, conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) is a cornerstone of compliance strategy and risk mitigation. DPIAs, also referred to as Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing risks associated with data processing activities. This legal alert highlights U.S. and international requirements for DPIAs, criteria for identifying high-risk activities, and best practices for achieving compliance.