What is a Privacy Impact Assessment (P.I.A.)?

A Privacy Impact Assessment (P.I.A.) is a systematic process used to evaluate how a project, system, or initiative may impact the privacy of individuals' personal information. It helps organizations identify potential privacy risks, assess compliance with privacy regulations, and implement measures to mitigate those risks. By conducting a P.I.A., organizations can enhance transparency, build trust, and ensure responsible data handling practices. This assessment is often required by law or organizational policy when developing new technologies or processes that involve personal data.