What is the primary goal of a privacy impact assessment (PIA)?

• A. To ensure maximum data collection
• B. To evaluate privacy effects of projects or systems
• C. To monitor employee compliance with privacy laws
• D. To assess security measures in place

Answer: (B)

The primary goal of a privacy impact assessment (PIA) is to evaluate the privacy effects of projects or systems. A PIA serves as a critical tool for organizations to identify and mitigate potential privacy risks associated with new initiatives that involve personal data. This evaluation process allows for a thorough examination of how personal information is handled, helping to ensure that privacy considerations are integrated into project designs from the onset.

Conducting a PIA ensures that the privacy implications of data collection, storage, usage, and sharing are well understood and addressed. It helps organizations comply with legal and regulatory frameworks related to data protection, as well as establish trust with stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding personal information. Through this assessment, organizations can proactively manage privacy risks, enhance transparency, and implement necessary controls to protect individual privacy rights.