This checklist explains how to establish and maintain an effective data mapping program as the foundation of privacy compliance. It emphasizes prioritizing systems that process sensitive or high-volume data, acknowledging unknown data stores, and treating data mapping as an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time project. The guide cautions against relying solely on data science teams or spreadsheets and instead recommends privacy-led, automated mapping approaches. By centralizing knowledge of where personal information is collected, stored, and shared, organizations can reduce downstream risk, support DSAR fulfillment, and enable scalable compliance activities.

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