Guidelines for Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) in Smart City Development: A Case Study of Phitsanulok Smart City

Main Article Content

Methinee Suwannakit

Abstract

    This research article presents a guideline for data protection impact assessment (DPIA) in the development of smart cities, using Phitsanulok Smart City as a case study. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including comparative legal analysis, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews to gather the perspectives of data subjects. The findings reveal that personal data processing in Phitsanulok smart cities entails high risks due to complex data flow pathways, overlapping jurisdictions, and the involvement of numerous stakeholders. Therefore, a personal data protection impact assessment (DPIA) is necessary. This should include detailed data flow mapping, the establishment of joint data controller agreements, assessments of necessity and proportionality, as well as risk assessments and the implementation of appropriate risk mitigation measures. The article identifies risks and proposes risk mitigation measures in three key areas: (1) data breaches resulting from internal and external risks; (2) the inability of data subjects to control the use of their personal data; and (3) adverse impacts on other rights and freedoms.

Article Details

How to Cite
Suwannakit, Methinee. “Guidelines for Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) in Smart City Development: A Case Study of Phitsanulok Smart City”. Naresuan University Law Journal 18, no. 2 (December 13, 2025): 205–232. accessed January 25, 2026. https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/lawnujournal/article/view/280861.
Section
Research Articles

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