What is the purpose of privacy impact assessments?

The purpose of privacy impact assessments (PIAs) is to evaluate risks and impacts concerning data processing activities. This process is crucial for identifying potential privacy risks associated with new projects or initiatives that involve handling personal data. By conducting a PIA, organizations can systematically analyze how a particular project or system collects, uses, stores, and shares personal information. This proactive approach helps in ensuring that privacy risks are identified early and addressed appropriately, thus safeguarding individuals’ privacy rights and aligning with data protection regulations.

The clarity and thoroughness provided by a PIA help organizations implement measures to mitigate risks and enhance overall compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations. This makes option B the most accurate reflection of the primary objective of privacy impact assessments.