TRUSTEE's Framework for DPIAs: Safeguarding personal information in the Digital Era

Data protection has taken center stage in the evolving digital realm, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to safeguard personal information. Central to this conversation is the TRUSTEE framework, which offers an efficient and user-friendly tool for conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) in compliance with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This paper introduces TRUSTEE's holistic approach to DPIAs. We will outline the legal and regulatory landscape necessitating a DPIA, diving deep into GDPR guidelines and related EU data protection norms. We further highlight the crucial data processing activities encompassed by the DPIA, elaborating on the nature and purposes of personal information processing. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of data protection, our methodology integrates technical, user-centric, ethical, social, and legal perspectives for a comprehensive assessment. Furthermore, we provide insights into the architectural backbone of TRUSTEE's DPIA tool, detailing its high-level structure and intricate technological components. Moving from design to application, the paper outlines the implementation process within the TRUSTEE framework and delves into a rigorous validation plan to ensure the tool's reliability. By presenting TRUSTEE's systematic approach to DPIAs, this paper underscores its commitment to bolster data protection in today's digital age, empowering stakeholders with a potent tool to ensure personal information safety.