A Practical PIA/DPIA Guide for GDPR Article 35 Compliance

Under the GDPR, a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), also called a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), is required by Article 35 when processing is likely to result in a high risk to individuals. Typical triggers include large-scale monitoring, systematic profiling, use of special category data (Article 9), novel technologies, or public surveillance (e.g., CCTV analytics). If you operate in the UK, the UK GDPR mirrors these duties. LegalDocs.ai helps you quickly decide if your project needs a DPIA and documents your rationale.

Start with a risk assessment that maps data flows, defines purposes, and confirms a lawful basis under Article 6. Evaluate necessity and proportionality against Article 5 principles, then identify risks to rights and freedoms, scoring likelihood and impact. Consult your DPO (Articles 37-39), review processor safeguards under Article 28, and plan measures such as minimization, access controls, encryption, and data protection by design and default (Articles 25 and 32). If residual risks remain high, seek prior consultation with your supervisory authority under Article 36.

Use a clear DPIA template: project overview and stakeholders; processing description, data categories, sources, and recipients; lawful basis and special category conditions (Article 9); data flows and retention; risk register with likelihood/impact; safeguards and mitigating measures; consultation notes; decision, sign-off, and review schedule. Maintain records of processing (Article 30) and update the DPIA whenever you change scope or technology. LegalDocs.ai offers a structured DPIA template, guided questions, and version control so busy owners can evidence compliance without slowing product delivery.