Science and Technology Studies Commons^™

Precaution And Privacy Impact Assessments As Modes Towards Risk Management, David Wright, Raphael Gellert, Serge Gutwirth, Michael Friedewald

Serge Gutwirth

This chapter contends that privacy impact assessments (PIAs) are an instrument of risk governance that should, therefore, be understood and implemented within the framework of the precautionary principle. Precaution is the best theoretical framework of action in the face of uncertain risks. After considering the precautionary principle from a conceptual point of view, this paper goes on to discuss privacy impact assessment in practice and concludes with the possibility of the integration of PIA within the context of risk governance. The paper also offers comments on the notion of balancing privacy and other values.