The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has adopted a new standard template for Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), aimed at making GDPR compliance more consistent and easier across Europe. The template is designed to help organisations structure and document their DPIA processes in a more harmonised way, ensuring all key information is captured clearly and systematically.

Alongside the template, the EDPB has also published an explanatory document that breaks down core concepts in simple language and guides organisations step by step through the DPIA process, including how to assess necessity, proportionality, and risks to individuals’ rights and freedoms. While the use of the template is not mandatory, it provides predefined fields intended to improve completeness, reduce errors, and save time in risk assessment documentation.

The draft template is open for public consultation until 9 June, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback. After the consultation phase, national Data Protection Authorities are expected to adopt the template or align their existing national formats with it, with the aim of improving consistency in GDPR implementation across the EU.