Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA)

A documented assessment that institutions must conduct (and keep current when there are significant changes) prior to collecting personal information or changing its processing purposes; used to identify and mitigate privacy risks, and subject to review by the Information and Privacy Commissioner under the amended FIPPA provisions introduced by Bill 194/EDSTA.

A mandatory assessment required for projects involving the acquisition, development, or overhaul of information systems, electronic service delivery, cross-border data transfers, or high-risk technologies like AI or biometrics, to identify and mitigate privacy risks.

A systematic process required under the Act for public bodies to identify, assess, and mitigate potential privacy risks before implementing new programs, systems, or services that involve the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information.

A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) is a systematic process used to identify and assess the privacy risks of new projects, systems, or processes. It also serves as a mechanism for confirming the effective implementation of necessary privacy controls and measures within a system, aiding in ongoing risk management and compliance.