What is a privacy impact assessment (PIA)?

A privacy impact assessment (PIA) is a tool used to assess the privacy risks associated with a particular initiative, program, technology, or data collection. A PIA is a way for government agencies to review the risks and potential impacts to personal privacy before a project is implemented. In Idaho, the Idaho Data Security Law requires agencies to conduct a privacy impact assessment, or PIA, when collecting, using, safeguarding or disposing of personal information. A PIA helps ensure the agency is protecting the personal information with reduced risk and is compliant with state and federal privacy laws. In the PIA, the agency would evaluate the project to assess what type of information will be collected, how the information is going to be used and protected, and the potential consequences of the project for individuals’ privacy. The assessment would answer questions such as what would happen if the data was leaked, or if the data was sold or misused. The PIA also covers how the agency will dispose of the data and any mechanisms for users to request deletion of the data. Once the PIA is complete, the agency must consider the risks and make changes to reduce those risks or not go forward with the project. The PIA also helps give the public confidence that their data is being properly managed. Through the PIA, agencies are able to ensure that data is used in a secure and responsible manner while protecting the privacy of Idaho residents.

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What is a privacy impact assessment (PIA)?

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