Description: The ‘Legitimate Purpose’ refers to a valid and justified reason for processing personal data, according to data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union. This concept is fundamental to ensuring that organizations handle personal information ethically and responsibly. A legitimate purpose must be specific, explicit, and legitimate, meaning it cannot be vague or misleading. Additionally, it must align with the rights and expectations of the individuals whose data is being processed. Identifying a legitimate purpose is crucial, as without it, data processing could be considered illegal. This principle seeks to balance the need for organizations to use data for their operations with the protection of individuals’ privacy. In practice, legitimate purposes can encompass various areas, such as the execution of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, protection of vital interests, public interest, or the legitimate interest of the data controller, provided it does not override the fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject.
History: null
Uses: null
Examples: null
