OneTrust Certified Privacy Professional Practice Exam

Under which circumstance is a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) required to be conducted?

1. When data processing includes systematic and extensive evaluation of personal aspects

2. When data processing occurs on a large scale with special categories of data

3. When data processing includes systematic monitoring of a publicly accessible area

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is required in several circumstances to ensure compliance with data protection regulations, particularly under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). When data processing involves systematic and extensive evaluation of personal aspects, such as profiling that significantly affects individuals, a DPIA is necessary to assess the risks to the rights and freedoms of those individuals. This is crucial because such evaluations can have a substantial impact on individuals' privacy. Additionally, when data processing takes place on a large scale involving special categories of data—such as sensitive information related to health, race, or sexual orientation—conducting a DPIA is vital. This requirement reflects the heightened risks associated with processing sensitive data and aims to put in place adequate safeguards. Moreover, if data processing includes systematic monitoring of publicly accessible areas, such as through CCTV surveillance, a DPIA is also warranted. This situation highlights the potential risks to individuals' privacy and helps inform how the data will be handled responsibly. Overall, a DPIA serves as a proactive measure to identify and mitigate risks in various scenarios, encompassing all the mentioned circumstances. Hence, conducting a DPIA becomes a comprehensive necessity under the outlined conditions to ensure robust data protection practices.