DPIA-DFD

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

  1. High Level Overview - A comprehensive view of all personal data flows in CFP
  2. Transaction Processing Detail - Detailed focus on payment and transaction processing
  3. Data Retention & Deletion - Lifecycle management of personal data including retention and deletion
  4. External Data Sharing - Cross-boundary data transfers to third parties
  5. 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:

➡️ View Interactive HTML Diagrams Online

You can also view locally by opening the HTML_Pages/index.html file in your browser to access:

Diagram Usage Instructions

Each diagram file contains:

Viewing the Diagrams

The diagrams are created using Mermaid markdown syntax. There are several ways to view them:

  1. VS Code: Install the “Mermaid Preview” extension to view the diagrams directly in VS Code
  2. Online Mermaid Editor: Copy the code into https://mermaid.live/ to view and edit
  3. 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:

Guide for Non-Technical Stakeholders

For stakeholders who may not be familiar with technical diagrams:

  1. Start with the “High Level Overview” diagram to understand the complete flow
  2. Each arrow represents data moving from one system to another
  3. The text on each arrow describes what personal data is transferred
  4. Cylinders represent databases where personal data is stored
  5. Dotted lines show the boundary between Microsoft and external systems
  6. Notes describe important security and data protection measures

Compliance Alignment

These diagrams have been designed to address key requirements from data protection regulations:

Next Steps

  1. Review diagrams with key stakeholders from Legal, Privacy, and Engineering
  2. Update diagrams as necessary based on feedback
  3. Ensure all data flows are accurately represented
  4. Incorporate into the final DPIA documentation
  5. Establish a process for keeping diagrams updated as the system evolves