A data protection impact assessment (DPIA) is a process to help identify and minimise the data protection risks of a project that involves personal data, especially when using new technologies or processing that is likely to result in a high risk to individuals1. The UK GDPR requires data controllers to carry out a DPIA before starting such processing and to consult the supervisory authority if the DPIA indicates a high risk that cannot be mitigated1. The UK GDPR also provides some general guidance on the content and methodology of a DPIA, but it does not prescribe a specific format or procedure1. Therefore, to effectively assist Zandelay in conducting their DPIA, it would be helpful to refer to existing DPIA guides published by local supervisory authorities, such as the ICO in the UK or the DPC in Ireland23. These guides offer more detailed and practical advice on how to conduct a DPIA, what to include in it, how to assess and mitigate the risks, and when to consult the authority23. They also provide templates, checklists, examples, and case studies to illustrate the DPIA process23. By following these guides, Zandelay can ensure that their DPIA is comprehensive, consistent, and compliant with the UK GDPR and the relevant national laws.
The other options are not as effective as option C, because:
Option A: Information about DPIAs found in Articles 38 through 40 of the UK GDPR is too general and vague to assist Zandelay in conducting their DPIA. These articles only outline the basic requirements and principles of a DPIA, but do not provide any specific guidance on how to conduct one, what to include in it, or how to assess and mitigate the risks1. Zandelay would need more detailed and practical advice to effectively perform a DPIA.
Option B: Data breach documentation that data controllers are required to maintain is not relevant to conducting a DPIA. A data breach is a security incident that leads to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data1. A data controller must document any data breaches, including the facts, effects, and remedial actions taken, and notify the supervisory authority and the affected individuals without undue delay1. However, a data breach is not the same as a data protection risk, which is the potential for adverse effects on individuals as a result of the processing of their personal data2. A DPIA is a proactive and preventive measure to identify and minimise the data protection risks of a project, not a reactive and corrective measure to deal with the consequences of a data breach2.
Option D: Records of processing activities that data controllers are required to maintain are not sufficient to assist Zandelay in conducting their DPIA. A record of processing activities is a document that contains information about the purposes, categories, recipients, transfers, retention periods, and security measures of the processing of personal data by a data controller or a data processor1. A data controller must maintain a record of processing activities under its responsibility and make it available to the supervisory authority upon request1. However, a record of processing activities is not the same as a DPIA, which is a more in-depth and systematic analysis of the data protection risks and the measures to address them2. A record of processing activities may provide some useful information for a DPIA, such as the nature, scope, context, and purposes of the processing, but it does not cover other aspects, such as the necessity, proportionality, compliance, and impact of the processing2.
https://blog.netwrix.com/2021/02/17/data-protection-impact-assessment/
https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations-2/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/accountability-and-governance/data-protection-impact-assessments/