Training Course on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) / Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs)

Training Course on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) / Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs)

Introduction

In today’s digital-first world, data privacy and protection are no longer optional—they are legal, ethical, and strategic imperatives. Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) are essential tools that help organizations assess, manage, and mitigate privacy risks. Training Course on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) / Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) provides participants with in-depth, practical knowledge to conduct DPIAs/PIAs in compliance with global privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other data protection laws.

Designed for compliance officers, data protection officers, IT security professionals, and business leaders, this program emphasizes data governance, risk management, privacy by design, and regulatory compliance. With real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and practical tools, learners will leave equipped to implement effective and legally sound DPIA/PIA strategies in any organization.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the legal requirements for DPIAs/PIAs under GDPR and global data privacy laws.
2. Identify and assess data processing risks to individuals' privacy rights.
3. Apply privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default principles in project planning.
4. Map and analyze data flows within organizational systems.
5. Determine when a DPIA/PIA is legally required or best practice.
6. Integrate data protection frameworks into risk assessment processes.
7. Evaluate the necessity, proportionality, and purpose of data processing activities.
8. Collaborate with stakeholders and data processors during DPIA/PIA implementation.
9. Leverage automated tools for conducting DPIAs/PIAs efficiently.
10. Prepare DPIA/PIA reports that meet regulator expectations.
11. Handle cross-border data transfers and third-party risk considerations.
12. Ensure continuous monitoring and auditing of data protection risks.
13. Strengthen organizational compliance culture and data ethics.

Target Audience

1. Data Protection Officers (DPOs)
2. Compliance Managers
3. Privacy Consultants
4. Legal and Risk Professionals
5. Information Security Officers
6. Project Managers handling personal data
7. IT and Cybersecurity Specialists
8. Executives and Business Leaders managing compliance initiatives

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to DPIAs and PIAs

• Define DPIA and PIA and key differences
• Legal frameworks: GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, etc.
• Role of DPIA in privacy compliance programs
• Threshold assessments and when DPIAs are required
• Stakeholders involved in the DPIA process
• Case Study: GDPR-mandated DPIA in a banking application rollout

Module 2: Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

• Global privacy laws and their DPIA/PIA requirements
• Understanding Article 35 of GDPR
• High-risk data processing operations
• Regulatory guidance from ICO, EDPB, etc.
• Non-compliance penalties and enforcement actions
• Case Study: ICO intervention in a non-compliant smart device deployment

Module 3: Privacy by Design and Default

• Definition and principles of Privacy by Design
• Embedding privacy controls in project lifecycles
• Aligning system design with privacy requirements
• Minimizing data collection and access
• Role of developers and engineers in privacy design
• Case Study: Smart city infrastructure project with integrated privacy

Module 4: Data Mapping and Inventory

• Identifying personal data and sensitive data
• Mapping data flows within and outside the organization
• Tools for automated data mapping
• Data lifecycle and retention practices
• Handling third-party data processors
• Case Study: Data flow assessment for a multinational retailer

Module 5: Risk Identification and Analysis

• Types of privacy risks (legal, reputational, operational)
• Risk likelihood and impact measurement
• Stakeholder engagement in risk analysis
• Mitigation vs. transfer of risk
• Role of ethical considerations
• Case Study: University research project involving biometric data

Module 6: Necessity and Proportionality Tests

• Balancing interests: public interest vs. individual rights
• Assessing proportionality in data processing
• Justifying data use cases
• DPIA documentation of rationale
• Legal review and ethical oversight
• Case Study: Healthcare data platform's AI algorithm evaluation

Module 7: Stakeholder Engagement

• Involving internal stakeholders early
• Consulting with data subjects
• Working with vendors and third parties
• Aligning IT, legal, and compliance perspectives
• Creating a privacy-responsible culture
• Case Study: E-commerce company onboarding third-party analytics tools

Module 8: DPIA Tools and Templates

• Comparison of leading DPIA software tools
• Template design and usage
• Cloud-based DPIA solutions
• Centralizing DPIA documentation
• Version control and update management
• Case Study: Using DPIA tools to scale assessments in a telecom firm

Module 9: Writing Effective DPIA/PIA Reports

• Key elements of a successful report
• Standard format vs. tailored format
• Language clarity and legal terminology
• Presenting risks and mitigations
• Submitting to regulators
• Case Study: DPIA report submission for a government eID system

Module 10: Integration with Information Security

• Aligning DPIAs with ISO 27001 and NIST standards
• Cybersecurity risk overlap
• Secure data storage and encryption
• Breach notification protocols
• Data anonymization and pseudonymization
• Case Study: DPIA conducted after a data breach in a fintech company

Module 11: Cross-Border Data Transfers

• Data transfer mechanisms: SCCs, BCRs, adequacy decisions
• Risks associated with third-country transfers
• Role of transfer impact assessments
• Updates post-Schrems II ruling
• Legal and technical safeguards
• Case Study: DPIA for cloud migration involving US-based providers

Module 12: DPIAs in Emerging Technologies

• AI and algorithmic processing DPIAs
• IoT privacy considerations
• Blockchain and DPIAs
• DPIAs for facial recognition systems
• Ethics and innovation in new tech
• Case Study: DPIA for a facial recognition system in public surveillance

Module 13: Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

• Ongoing review of DPIA effectiveness
• Auditing privacy risk controls
• Metrics and KPIs for DPIA success
• Incident tracking and feedback loops
• Training and awareness programs
• Case Study: DPIA reassessment after system upgrade in hospital IT

Module 14: DPIAs for Specific Sectors

• Healthcare
• Financial services
• Education
• Government
• Retail
• Case Study: DPIA tailored for a K-12 online learning platform

Module 15: DPIA Program Management

• Establishing a DPIA governance framework
• Budgeting and resource planning
• Building internal DPIA expertise
• Role of Data Protection Officers (DPOs)
• Automating DPIA workflows
• Case Study: Centralized DPIA program in a multinational enterprise

Training Methodology

• Instructor-led workshops with expert facilitators
• Real-world case studies and industry-specific scenarios
• Interactive group activities and role plays
• Hands-on DPIA tool demonstrations
• Customizable templates and practical toolkits
• Post-training assessments and certificate of completion

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.