FRIA Guide for High-Risk AI Deployments
A Fundamental Rights Impact Assessment (FRIA) is not a checkbox report. It is a decision tool for identifying where AI use can harm rights and what controls are needed before and during deployment.
When FRIA becomes essential
FRIA is most relevant in high-impact contexts where AI outputs influence opportunities, access, or treatment of individuals. If outcomes can materially affect rights, FRIA should be treated as a core governance process.
Practical FRIA workflow
- Define deployment context and affected groups.
- Map potential rights impacts (privacy, equality, dignity, expression, remedy).
- Score likelihood and severity.
- Define mitigation controls with owners and deadlines.
- Set monitoring and reassessment triggers.
Evidence you should keep
- stakeholder consultation notes
- scoring rationale
- control validation results
- unresolved residual risks and sign-off decisions
Common FRIA weaknesses
- generic analysis not tied to actual workflow,
- no measurable mitigation outcomes,
- no reassessment after major system changes.
Final takeaway
A strong FRIA improves both rights protection and operational quality. It helps teams detect unacceptable risk early and deploy safer systems with clearer accountability.