Capturing and mitigating data privacy risk early

Privacy is a fundamental right that everyone values, but safeguarding it in our increasingly interconnected world is no simple task. From mobile apps to surveillance cameras, the sheer volume of personal data collected and processed every day is staggering. This is where Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) come in — a vital tool to ensure privacy is built into systems and processes right from the start, rather than being treated as an afterthought.

A DPIA is far from just a bureaucratic exercise for businesses. It’s a proactive process designed to identify risks to individuals’ privacy and to address them before they become a problem. Imagine a company developing a new mobile banking app, a scenario particularly relevant as Nigeria’s fintech sector continues to thrive. Without conducting a DPIA, developers might focus solely on adding features such as rapid payments or an attractive user interface, neglecting to consider potential risks such as weak password requirements or vulnerabilities in how customer data is stored. A DPIA forces the team to stop and think: How could this feature impact users’ privacy? Could it expose sensitive information to hackers or other threats?

By undergoing a DPIA early in the development process, the team might decide to introduce robust safeguards like multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and strict data minimisation. These measures not only make the app safer but also ensure compliance with regulations like the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and help to build user trust.

Another example is the growing adoption of biometric systems. Take a school that decides to use fingerprint scanning for student attendance. On the surface, it appears to be a practical solution — no more lost registers or inaccurate records. However, without a DPIA, the school might fail to consider key questions. How will this biometric data be stored? Could it be accessed or misused by unauthorised parties? What happens if the system is hacked? A DPIA would identify these risks and recommend solutions, such as encrypting the biometric data, limiting how long it is kept, or exploring less invasive options like smart cards. By addressing privacy concerns upfront, the school can protect pupils’ data while still achieving its efficiency goals.

DPIAs are especially crucial when dealing with sensitive data, such as health records. Picture a hospital in Lagos implementing a new digital system to improve patient care. While the system might allow doctors to access records more quickly, it could also inadvertently allow unauthorised staff to view private medical histories. A DPIA would flag this issue, leading the hospital to implement safeguards like role-based access controls and detailed audit logs to track who accesses which records. These measures would preserve patients’ confidentiality while enhancing the hospital’s efficiency.

Even public sector projects benefit from DPIAs. Imagine a city council in Abuja installing CCTV cameras in busy markets to tackle crime. Without a DPIA, they might overlook the potential for these cameras to intrude on the privacy of ordinary citizens. A DPIA would encourage solutions such as blurring faces in footage unless a criminal incident occurs, striking a balance between security and privacy.

For Nigerian businesses and public institutions, DPIAs are not just about ticking regulatory boxes; they are an opportunity to build trust with the people they serve. When individuals feel confident that their personal data is handled responsibly, they are far more likely to use digital services, whether that’s online shopping, ride-hailing apps, or government platforms. This trust is critical in Nigeria, where data breaches and privacy concerns have sometimes shaken public confidence in technology.

What makes DPIAs particularly powerful is their ability to integrate privacy into the core of a project. Instead of fixing problems once they arise, DPIAs encourage organisations to anticipate and mitigate risks from the outset. For example, a Nigerian start-up developing an artificial intelligence recruitment platform could use a DPIA to address potential biases in its algorithms. If the system disproportionately disadvantages candidates from specific regions or educational backgrounds, the DPIA could lead to interventions such as diversifying the training data or enabling human oversight to ensure fairness. These steps don’t just protect privacy; they promote ethical practices and inclusivity.

Ultimately, DPIAs serve as a compass in the complex world of data protection, helping organisations design systems that respect privacy by default. From tech start-ups in Abuja to multinationals operating in Lagos, DPIAs provide a framework for safeguarding personal data while fostering innovation. By prioritising privacy, organisations protect individuals, build trust, and create a safer digital environment for everyone — whether they are an eight-year-old exploring educational apps or an eighty-year-old relying on telemedicine.

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