DPIA Data Flow Diagrams - Appendix A Summary
This document provides an overview of the Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) created for the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) Appendix A for Microsoft’s Commerce Financial Platforms (CFP).
Diagram Index
- High Level Overview - A comprehensive view of all personal data flows in CFP
- Transaction Processing Detail - Detailed focus on payment and transaction processing
- Data Retention & Deletion - Lifecycle management of personal data including retention and deletion
- External Data Sharing - Cross-boundary data transfers to third parties
- User Journey Perspective - Typical user experience and data flow from a customer’s perspective
HTML Version
For easier viewing, an HTML version of these diagrams is available:
You can also view locally by opening the HTML_Pages/index.html file in your browser to access:
- Interactive navigation between diagrams
- Mobile-friendly responsive layout
- Improved readability and accessibility
Diagram Usage Instructions
Each diagram file contains:
- A Mermaid-based flowchart visualizing the data flows
- A legend explaining the diagram elements and notation
- Key data protection elements highlighted in each process
Viewing the Diagrams
The diagrams are created using Mermaid markdown syntax. There are several ways to view them:
- VS Code: Install the “Mermaid Preview” extension to view the diagrams directly in VS Code
- Online Mermaid Editor: Copy the code into https://mermaid.live/ to view and edit
- Documentation Integration: The Mermaid syntax can be directly embedded in many documentation platforms including GitHub, GitLab, and Confluence
Customizing the Diagrams
The diagrams can be customized to reflect specific implementation details:
- Data store locations can be updated to reflect actual datacenter regions
- Retention periods can be adjusted based on specific legal requirements
- Additional controls or security measures can be added as they’re implemented
Guide for Non-Technical Stakeholders
For stakeholders who may not be familiar with technical diagrams:
- Start with the “High Level Overview” diagram to understand the complete flow
- Each arrow represents data moving from one system to another
- The text on each arrow describes what personal data is transferred
- Cylinders represent databases where personal data is stored
- Dotted lines show the boundary between Microsoft and external systems
- Notes describe important security and data protection measures
Compliance Alignment
These diagrams have been designed to address key requirements from data protection regulations:
- GDPR Article 30: Documentation of processing activities
- GDPR Article 32: Security of processing
- GDPR Article 35: Data protection impact assessment
- CCPA/CPRA: Disclosure of data handling practices
- ISO 27001: Information security management controls
Next Steps
- Review diagrams with key stakeholders from Legal, Privacy, and Engineering
- Update diagrams as necessary based on feedback
- Ensure all data flows are accurately represented
- Incorporate into the final DPIA documentation
- Establish a process for keeping diagrams updated as the system evolves