Rock the OneTrust Certified Privacy Pro Exam 2025 – Privacy Pros, Prepare to Shine!

Notifying individuals of a data breach when it is likely to cause high risk to their rights is crucial for several reasons. The core principle of this approach is grounded in the notion of risk assessment and mitigation. Privacy regulations, such as the GDPR and various state laws, emphasize that notification obligations are triggered primarily by the potential impact of the breach on individuals' rights and freedoms.

When a breach occurs, the organization must assess the nature of the data involved, the context of the breach, and the likelihood of harm to individuals. If there is a strong possibility that the breach could lead to identity theft, financial loss, or other significant adverse effects, timely notification becomes essential. This empowers individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves, such as monitoring accounts, changing passwords, or implementing other security measures.

It’s important to note that notifying individuals immediately upon discovery of a breach may not always be feasible or appropriate. The organization may need to understand the specifics of the breach, determine the nature of the information compromised, and gauge the potential risks before issuing a notification. Therefore, protecting individuals’ rights takes precedence, making this answer the most aligned with best practices in privacy and data protection.