Data protection impact assessment (DPIA)
A structured assessment of how a planned processing activity could affect individuals’ privacy and what measures will reduce those risks. Under UK GDPR, a DPIA is required where processing is likely to result in a high risk to individuals.
Why it matters
New technology, large-scale profiling, automated decisions and the use of sensitive data frequently trigger the requirement for a DPIA, which means many AI projects need one. Completing it early shapes design decisions; completing it after build usually means rework.
A good DPIA is a working document owned by the project, not a form signed at the end. It should describe the data flows, the necessity of each element, the risks to individuals and the specific controls that address them.
In practice
For example, a UK local authority planning to use a model to prioritise housing repair requests might complete a DPIA before development, leading it to exclude certain household characteristics, add human review for low-priority classifications and publish a plain-English notice to residents.
Where Rodan fits
Rodan supports DPIAs with the technical evidence they need, including data flow diagrams, model documentation and control design, as part of AI and Decision Systems delivery.