CIPP-E Sample Questions Answers

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 According to the GDPR, location data is a type of personal data that can reveal information about an individual’s habits, preferences, or movements1. Location data can also be considered as a special category of personal data if it reveals information about an individual’s health, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs2. Therefore, location data is subject to the GDPR’s rules on the lawful processing of personal data, which require a valid legal basis, such as consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interest, public interest, or legitimate interest2.

In this scenario, Who-R-U decides to track locations using its app, which means that it collects and processes location data from its app users. This data can be used to identify the app users, as well as to infer information about their interests, preferences, or behavior. Therefore, Who-R-U needs to comply with the GDPR, even if it only offers its services to Canadians, because it monitors the behavior of individuals in the EU2.

One of the possible legal bases for processing location data is consent, which means that the app users must give their informed, specific, and freely given agreement to the collection and use of their location data2. Consent must be obtained before the processing starts, and it must be easy to withdraw at any time2. Consent must also be granular, meaning that the app users must be able to choose which purposes and types of location data they agree to share1.

Therefore, if Who-R-U decides to track locations using its app, it must get consent from the app users, and provide them with clear and transparent information about how, why, and for how long their location data will be processed, who will have access to it, and what rights they have under the GDPR12. Who-R-U must also ensure that the consent is voluntary, and that the app users can opt out of location tracking without affecting the functionality or quality of the app12. References: 1 Policy Brief: Location Data Under Existing Privacy Laws | FPF. Available at: 5 (Accessed: 11 December 2023)2 What is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)? | Cloudflare. Available at: 6 (Accessed: 11 December 2023).

According to the CIPP/E study guide, Article 33 of the GDPR requires data controllers to notify the supervisory authority of a personal data breach without undue delay and, where feasible, not later than 72 hours after becoming aware of it, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons1. Article 34 of the GDPR requires data controllers to communicate the personal data breach to the data subject without undue delay when the breach is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons2. Both articles specify the minimum information that the data controller must provide to the supervisory authority and the data subject, which includes: the nature of the breach, the categories and approximate number of data subjects and personal data records concerned, the name and contact details of the data protection officer or other contact point, the likely consequences of the breach, and the measures taken or proposed to address the breach and mitigate its possible adverse effects12. However, neither article requires the data controller to disclose the type of security safeguards used to protect the data, as this information is not relevant for the purposes of notification and may even compromise the security of the data further3. References: 1: CIPP/E study guide, page 84; Art. 33 GDPR; Guidelines 01/2021 on Examples regarding Data Breach Notification2: CIPP/E study guide, page 85; [Art. 34 GDPR]; Guidelines 01/2021 on Examples regarding Data Breach Notification3: Personal Data Breach | European Data Protection Supervisor; What is a data breach and what do we have to do … - European Commission.

Article 58 of the GDPR lists the powers of supervisory authorities in EU member states. Among these powers are the investigative powers, which include the right to access data and information from controllers and processors, as well as to access their premises and equipment. This power enables the supervisory authorities to perform their tasks of monitoring and enforcing the GDPR. The other options are not powers of supervisory authorities under Article 58 of the GDPR. References: Art. 58 GDPR – Powers, Article 58 Powers - GDPR, Article 58 GDPR - GDPRhub

 Under the GDPR, email marketing requires explicit and unambiguous consent from the recipients, meaning that they must actively agree to receive marketing communications, and the process for obtaining this consent must be clear and transparent. A prior opt-in consent is the most common and reliable way to demonstrate compliance with this requirement, as it involves a positive action from the data subject, such as ticking a box, clicking a button, or filling a form. A pre-checked box, a notice, or an opt-out option are not sufficient to obtain valid consent, as they do not indicate a clear expression of the data subject’s will. However, there is an exception to the consent rule for existing customers, known as the “soft opt-in”. This means that a company can send email marketing messages to its customers without prior consent, if the following conditions are met:

The company obtained the customer’s contact details in the course of a sale or negotiations for a sale of a product or service;

The company only sends marketing messages about its own similar products or services;

The company gives the customer a clear opportunity to opt out of receiving such messages both when first collecting the details and in every subsequent message.

References: GDPR Article 4(11), GDPR Article 6(1)(a), GDPR Article 7, GDPR Recital 32, GDPR Recital 47, GDPR for Marketing: The Definitive Guide for 2023 - SuperOffice, A Guide to GDPR Compliance for Email Marketers in 2023

 This is not an explicit right granted to data subjects under the GDPR, as the GDPR does not specifically address the sale of personal data. However, the GDPR does require that data subjects give their consent to any processing of their personal data that is not based on another legal basis, such as a contract or a legal obligation1. Therefore, data subjects have the right to withdraw their consent at any time, and the controller must inform them of this right before obtaining their consent2. The other options are explicit rights granted to data subjects under the GDPR, as they are listed in Chapter 3 of the regulation3. References:

Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 23, section 3.1

CIPP/E Certification, page 18, section 3.1

The Ultimate CIPP/E Study Guide for 2023, page 16, section 3.1

GDPR data subject rights - 8 fundamental & additional rights, paragraph 4

Rights of the data subject - General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Article 7

Rights of the data subject - General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Chapter 3

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) is a proposed regulation that aims to establish harmonised rules on the development and use of artificial intelligence in the EU. The AI Act classifies AI systems according to their level of risk and imposes various requirements and obligations on providers and users of such systems. The AI Act also provides for the enforcement of its rules by national competent authorities and the European Commission. According to Article 71 of the AI Act, the sanctions for non-compliance with the AI Act depend on the type and severity of the infringement. The maximum fine for the most serious infringements, such as placing on the market or putting into service prohibited AI systems, or failing to comply with the data and data governance requirements for high-risk AI systems, is the higher of up to 30 million Euro or up to 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the preceding financial year of the legal entity concerned. This is the same level of fine as for the most serious infringements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

References:

•EUR-Lex - 52021PC0206 - EN - EUR-Lex1

•European Parliament Adopts Negotiating Position on the AI Act2

The “soft opt-in” rule is an exception to the general requirement of obtaining consent before sending electronic mail marketing to individuals. It applies when the following conditions are met12:

the sender has obtained the contact details of the recipient in the context of the sale or negotiations for the sale of a product or service to that recipient;

the sender only sends direct marketing relating to its own similar products or services; and

the recipient has been given a simple opportunity to refuse or opt out of the marketing, both when the details were initially collected and in every subsequent message.

The option B matches these conditions, as it implies that the individual has shown an interest in buying a product from the sender, and that the sender can use the individual’s details to send marketing about similar products, as long as the individual can easily opt out. The other options do not qualify for the “soft opt-in” rule, as they either involve no consent, no prior relationship, or no opt-out mechanism. References: Electronic mail marketing | ICO, Direct marketing rules and exceptions under the GDPR

According to Article 3(1) of the GDPR1, personal data shall be processed in any member state only on the basis of a decision taken at a Union level that is binding for that member state, unless it is derogated from by national law. This means that the GDPR applies to any processing of personal data within the EU, regardless of where the controller or processor is located, as long as it is based on a decision made at a Union level that is binding for that member state.

Therefore, option B would most likely trigger the extraterritorial effect of the GDPR, as it involves personal data of EU citizens being processed by a controller or processor based outside the EU, which may be subject to a decision made at a Union level that is binding for that member state.

Option A would not trigger the extraterritorial effect of the GDPR, as it involves monitoring suspected terrorists, which is not considered processing under Article 4(1) and (2) of the GDPR1. Monitoring may fall under other legal frameworks, such as national security or counter-terrorism laws.

Option C would not trigger the extraterritorial effect of the GDPR, as it involves monitoring EU citizens outside the EU by non-EU law enforcement bodies, which may not be subject to any decision made at a Union level that is binding for that member state.

Option D would not trigger the extraterritorial effect of the GDPR, as it involves processing personal data of EU residents by a non-EU business that targets EU customers, which may not be subject to any decision made at a Union level that is binding for that member state.

References: 1: Free CIPP/E Study Guide - International Association of Privacy Professionals.

The GDPR establishes a two-tier system of administrative fines for infringements of its provisions, depending on the nature, gravity, and duration of the infringement, as well as other factors such as the intentional or negligent character of the infringement, the actions taken to mitigate the damage, the degree of co-operation with the supervisory authority, and any previous infringements1. The lower tier of fines can be up to 10 million euros or 2% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is higher1. The lower tier of fines applies to infringements of the GDPR relating to the following aspects1:

The obligations of the controller and the processor pursuant to Articles 8, 11, 25 to 39, and 42 and 43;

The obligations of the certification body pursuant to Articles 42 and 43;

The obligations of the monitoring body pursuant to Article 41 (4). The higher tier of fines can be up to 20 million euros or 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is higher1. The higher tier of fines applies to infringements of the GDPR relating to the following aspects1:

The basic principles for processing, including conditions for consent, pursuant to Articles 5, 6, 7, and 9;

The data subjects’ rights pursuant to Articles 12 to 22;

The transfers of personal data to a recipient in a third country or an international organisation pursuant to Articles 44 to 49;

Any obligations pursuant to Member State law adopted under Chapter IX;

Non-compliance with an order or a temporary or definitive limitation on processing or the suspension of data flows by the supervisory authority pursuant to Article 58 (2) or failure to provide access in violation of Article 58 (1). Therefore, higher fines are assessed for GDPR violations due to violations of a data subject’s rights, as these are among the infringements that fall under the higher tier of fines. Data subjects’ rights are the rights granted to individuals whose personal data are processed by controllers or processors, such as the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, object, or port their data, as well as the right to be informed, to withdraw consent, and to lodge a complaint1. Violations of these rights can cause significant harm to the data subjects and undermine the objectives of the GDPR. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. References: Art. 83 GDPR – General conditions for imposing administrative fines, Article 83 GDPR - GDPRhub

According to Article 33 of the GDPR, in the case of a personal data breach, the processor (Provider Y) shall notify the controller (Company X) without undue delay after becoming aware of the breach. The processor does not have the obligation to notify the supervisory authority, the public, or law enforcement, unless otherwise required by law. The controller is responsible for notifying the supervisory authority and, where necessary, the data subjects, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to their rights and freedoms. References:

Article 33 of the GDPR, which regulates the notification of a personal data breach to the supervisory authority.

[Article 34 of the GDPR], which regulates the communication of a personal data breach to the data subject.

ICO guidance, which explains the roles and responsibilities of controllers and processors in relation to data breach notification.

 According to the GDPR, the lead supervisory authority (LSA) is the one located in the EU member state where the controller or processor has its main establishment or single establishment. The main establishment is the place where the decisions on the purposes and means of the processing of personal data are taken. In this case, the SaaS service was defined and implemented by the Polish establishment, so the decisions on the processing of personal data for this service are taken in Poland. Therefore, the LSA for the SaaS service is the supervisory authority of the Republic of Poland.

References:

GDPR Article 4(16): Definition of main establishment

GDPR Article 56: Competence of the lead supervisory authority

GDPR Recital 36: Determination of the main establishment

IAPP CIPP/E Study Guide, Chapter 5, Section 5.1: Lead Supervisory Authority

According to Article 83 of the GDPR, the less severe administrative fines of up to 10 million euros or 2% of the annual worldwide turnover apply to infringements of the articles governing controllers and processors, certification bodies, and monitoring bodies. These include Articles 8, 11, 25-39, 42, and 43. Among the answer choices, only option B falls under this category, as Article 25 requires controllers to implement data protection by design and by default. Option A is related to Article 7, which governs the conditions for consent. Option C is related to Article 5, which sets out the principles for processing personal data. Option D is related to Article 16, which grants the right to rectification to data subjects. These articles are subject to the more severe administrative fines of up to 20 million euros or 4% of the annual worldwide turnover. References:

GDPR Article 83

GDPR Article 25

GDPR Article 7

GDPR Article 5

GDPR Article 16

 According to Article 60 of the GDPR, the lead authority (the CNIL in this case) shall cooperate with the other concerned supervisory authorities (the ICO and any other authority where EVERFIT has an establishment or where data subjects are affected) to reach a consensus on the case. The lead authority shall submit a draft decision to the other authorities for their opinion and take due account of their views. If the other authorities agree with the draft decision, the lead authority shall adopt and notify it to the controller (EVERFIT) and the complainant (Javier). If the other authorities object to the draft decision, they shall express their objections within a specified period and try to reach a consensus with the lead authority. If no consensus is reached, the matter shall be referred to the EDPB for a binding decision under the consistency mechanism (Article 65 of the GDPR). References: GDPR Cooperation and Enforcement, First overview on the implementation of the GDPR and the roles and means of the national supervisory authorities, Data protection: Commission adopts new rules to ensure stronger cooperation and enforcement, Article 65 FAQ

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 as a response to the atrocities of World War II. It is considered the first global expression of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Article 12 of the UDHR states that “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.” This article is the origin of privacy as a fundamental human right that has influenced many subsequent international and regional instruments, such as the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), the OECD Guidelines on the Protection of Privacy, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU). References:

IAPP CIPP/E Study Guide, page 7

[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]

[Article 12 of the UDHR]

A data breach is broadly defined as any incident that leads to the unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of personal data. While options A and B might seem plausible at first glance, they focus on a narrow interpretation of a breach.

The key here is the loss of confidentiality and/or integrity. Even though no one has actively stolen the data, the bank can no longer guarantee the confidentiality of the information, nor can it ensure the integrity of the data since it cannot be accessed or modified securely. This constitutes a loss of control over the data and thus qualifies as a data breach.

References:

IAPP CIPP/E textbook, Chapter 5: Data Breach Notification (specifically, the definition of a personal data breach)

GDPR Article 4(12) - Definition of a personal data breach

The right of access is one of the fundamental rights of data subjects under the GDPR. It allows data subjects to obtain from the controller confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning them are being processed, and, where that is the case, access to the personal data and certain information about the processing. The controller must provide a copy of the personal data undergoing processing to the data subject, unless the data subject requests otherwise. The right of access is not absolute and may be subject to limitations, restrictions or exceptions, in accordance with the GDPR and the national laws of the member states.

The EDPB has issued draft guidelines on the right of access, which provide more detailed guidance on how to handle data subject access requests and what are the possible grounds for refusing to provide a copy of the personal data. According to the draft guidelines, the controller can refuse to provide a copy of the personal data in the following situations:

If the data subject access request was sent to an employee that is not involved in the processing of such requests. In this case, the controller must inform the data subject of the appropriate contact point for submitting the request and must not consider the request as received until it reaches the designated person or unit. This does not mean that the controller can ignore or delay the request, but rather that the controller must ensure that the request is forwarded to the responsible person or unit as soon as possible.

If there is such a large amount of data that the controller cannot identify the data subject of the request. In this case, the controller can ask the data subject to provide additional information to enable the identification of the data subject, such as a unique identifier, a reference number, a specific time period, a location or a context of the processing. The controller must not ask for more information than is necessary and must not use the information for any other purpose than verifying the identity of the data subject.

If the personal data was processed in the past but is no longer at the controller’s disposal at the time of the request. In this case, the controller must inform the data subject that the personal data are no longer available and explain the reasons why the personal data have been erased, anonymised, archived or otherwise disposed of. The controller must also provide the data subject with any relevant information about the retention period, the archiving policy, the anonymisation process or the disposal method of the personal data.

The controller cannot refuse to provide a copy of the personal data in the following situation:

If the controller is unable to use end-to-end encrypted emails for responding to such requests. In this case, the controller must still provide a copy of the personal data to the data subject, but must ensure that the communication is secure and that the personal data are protected from unauthorised or unlawful access, disclosure, alteration or destruction. The controller can use alternative means of communication, such as secure online platforms, password-protected files, encrypted devices or postal mail, depending on the preferences and circumstances of the data subject. The controller must also inform the data subject of the risks involved in the chosen communication method and obtain the data subject’s consent before sending the personal data.

References:

GDPR, Articles 12, 13, 14, 15, 23 and 34.

EDPB Guidelines 01/2022 on data subject rights - Right of access Version 2, pages 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

A risk analysis is a process of identifying, assessing and mitigating the potential threats and vulnerabilities that may affect the personal data processing activities of an organization. A risk analysis is not a one-time activity, but a continuous and dynamic process that requires regular monitoring and updating. A risk analysis is also not a substitute for compliance with the GDPR, but a tool to help ensure compliance by identifying and addressing the legal obligations and best practices.

According to the GDPR, an organization must conduct a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) before starting any new or significantly increased processing activity that may pose a high risk to the rights and freedoms of the data subjects. A DPIA is a systematic and documented process that aims to identify, evaluate and mitigate the risks associated with such processing activities. A DPIA must be carried out by or on behalf of the controller (the person or entity that determines the purposes and means of processing) or by another person acting on their behalf.

In this scenario, Frank is conducting a DPIA for his new processing activity of analyzing his students’ performance data in relation to Department for Education expectations. This processing activity poses a high risk to the rights and freedoms of his students, as it involves collecting, storing, using and transferring their personal data without their explicit consent or knowledge. Therefore, Frank must conduct a DPIA before starting this processing activity.

However, there are some exceptions to this requirement. One of them is when the processing activity involves personal data that are no longer relevant for the original purpose for which they were collected or otherwise processed. In this case, Frank can use existing personal data without conducting a DPIA, as long as he ensures that they are adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary for his new purpose.

Therefore, in this situation, Anna will find that a risk analysis is NOT necessary in this situation as long as the data subjects are no longer current students of Frank’s. This means that Frank can use his existing student records without conducting a DPIA, as long as he ensures that they are adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary for his new purpose.

References:

Risks and data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) | ICO

What Are GDPR Risk Assessments and Why Are They Important?

GDPR Compliance Risk Assessment Best Practices | Accountable

Why risk assessments are essential for GDPR compliance

 According to the GDPR, data controllers must respond to a data access request (also known as a subject access request or SAR) without undue delay and in any event within one month of receipt of the request. This time limit can be extended by a further two months if the request is complex or if the controller receives a number of requests from the same individual. However, the controller must still inform the individual within one month of receipt of the request and explain why the extension is necessary. The time limit is calculated from the day after the request is received (whether it is a working day or not) until the corresponding calendar date in the next month. If there is no corresponding calendar date, the deadline is the last day of the next month. If the deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, the response must be provided on the next working day. References:

GDPR, Article 12(3)

ICO, Right of access1

ICO, Time limits for responding to data protection rights requests2

Under the GDPR, the lead supervisory authority is determined by where the main establishment related to the processing activity is located.

In this case, even though the company's headquarters is in Germany, the SaaS application was specifically defined and implemented by the Polish establishment. This indicates that the Polish establishment has the primary role in determining the purposes and means of processing personal data related to that SaaS service. Therefore, the supervisory authority of Poland would be the lead supervisory authority for this specific processing activity.

References:

GDPR Article 56 - Competence of the lead supervisory authority

IAPP CIPP/E textbook, Chapter 3: EU General Data Protection Regulation (specifically, sections on One-Stop Shop mechanism and lead supervisory authority)

 A data sharing agreement is a contract that documents what data is being shared and how it can be used. It can be used to make data sharing lawful and to demonstrate compliance with the accountability principle under the GDPR. A data sharing agreement is most likely to be needed when personal data is being shared between commercial organizations acting as joint data controllers, because they have to determine and agree on their respective roles and responsibilities, such as the purpose and legal basis of the data sharing, the rights of the data subjects, the security measures, and the liability for any breaches. A data sharing agreement is not mandatory, but it is good practice and can help to avoid disputes and confusion. A data sharing agreement may not be needed or may be less detailed in the other scenarios, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the data. For example, anonymized data is not personal data under the GDPR and does not require a data sharing agreement, although it may still be subject to other contractual or ethical obligations. Personal data that is proactively shared by a controller to support a police investigation may be covered by a legal obligation or a public interest, and the controller may not have much control over how the data is used by the police. Personal data that is shared with a public authority with powers to require the personal data to be disclosed may also be subject to a legal obligation or a public interest, and the controller may have to comply with the authority’s request without a data sharing agreement. References:

Data sharing agreements | ICO, which provides guidance on the benefits and contents of a data sharing agreement.

Data Sharing Agreement - the Definition - GDPR Summary, which explains what a data sharing agreement is and when it can be used.

The role of data sharing and the GDPR | Data Republic, which discusses the impact of the GDPR on data sharing practices.

The right to data portability only applies when the processing is based on the data subject’s consent or on a contract with the data subject12. Therefore, if the processing is necessary for a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller, the right to data portability does not apply12. This is because the data subject does not have a direct influence on the purpose or the means of the processing in such cases3. References: 1: Article 20 of the GDPR 2: Right to data portability | ICO 3: The right to data portability (Article 20 of the GDPR)

The GDPR applies to the processing of personal data in the context of the activities of an establishment of a controller or a processor in the EU, regardless of whether the processing takes place in the EU or not (Article 3(1)). The GDPR also applies to the processing of personal data of data subjects who are in the EU by a controller or a processor not established in the EU, where the processing activities are related to the offering of goods or services to such data subjects in the EU, or the monitoring of their behaviour as far as their behaviour takes place within the EU (Article 3(2)). Therefore, the GDPR would apply to the following entities:

A South American company that regularly collects European customers’ personal data, as it is offering goods or services to data subjects in the EU.

A company that stores all customer data in Australia and is headquartered in a European Union (EU) member state, as it has an establishment in the EU.

A Chinese company that has opened a satellite office in a European Union (EU) member state to service European customers, as it has an establishment in the EU and is offering goods or services to data subjects in the EU.

The GDPR would not apply to the following entity:

A North American company servicing customers in South Africa that uses a cloud storage system made by a European company, as it does not have an establishment in the EU, nor is it offering goods or services to data subjects in the EU, nor is it monitoring their behaviour within the EU. The fact that it uses a cloud storage system made by a European company does not trigger the application of the GDPR, unless the cloud provider is also processing personal data on behalf of the North American company in the context of its activities in the EU.

References: Guidelines 3/2018 on the territorial scope of the GDPR (Article 3) - version adopted after public consultation, Art. 3 GDPR – Territorial scope - General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The reason why the consent provided by Ms. Iman would not be considered valid in regard to JaphSoft is not because she did not provide her consent for her personal data to be shared with EcoMick, but because she was not told which controller would be processing her personal data. JaphSoft is a controller, as it determines the purpose and means of the processing of personal data, which is to improve its marketing optimization models and to provide better services to its customers. JaphSoft does not act only on the instructions of Liem and EcoMick, who are the original controllers of the personal data, but rather uses the data for its own benefit and interest. Therefore, JaphSoft should have obtained a separate consent from Ms. Iman, or relied on another lawful basis, such as legitimate interest, to process her personal data. Ms. Iman only gave consent to Liem, not to JaphSoft, and she was not informed that her personal data would be shared with or processed by another controller.

According to the EDPB Guidelines 01/2021 on Examples regarding Personal Data Breach Notification, a confidentiality breach occurs when personal data is disclosed or made available to unauthorized persons. This is the case when exfiltration of job application data from a website results in personal information being accessible to unauthorized persons, such as hackers or competitors. This type of breach may pose a high risk to the rights and freedoms of the data subjects, as it may lead to identity theft, fraud, discrimination, or reputational damage. Therefore, the data controller should notify the data subjects without undue delay, unless the data is encrypted or anonymized, or the controller has taken subsequent measures to ensure that the high risk is no longer likely to materialize.

References: EDPB Guidelines 01/2021 on Examples regarding Personal Data Breach Notification, page 151; CIPP/E Textbook, page 136.

The GDPR is the EU’s general data protection regulation that applies to the processing of personal data by controllers and processors in the EU, regardless of whether the processing takes place in the EU or not. The GDPR also applies to the processing of personal data of data subjects who are in the EU by a controller or processor not established in the EU, where the processing activities are related to the offering of goods or services to data subjects in the EU or the monitoring of their behaviour as far as their behaviour takes place within the EU. The GDPR sets out the principles, rights and obligations for the protection of personal data, as well as the enforcement and cooperation mechanisms among the data protection authorities and the European Data Protection Board.

The Digital Services Act (DSA), the Data Governance Act (DGA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) are part of the EU’s digital strategy that aims to create a single market for data and digital services, by supporting responsible access, sharing and re-use of data, while respecting the values of the EU and in particular the protection of personal data. These legal acts do not change or replace the GDPR, but rather complement and reinforce it, by addressing specific issues and challenges related to the digital economy and society. The DSA, the DGA and the DMA explicitly state that they apply without prejudice to the GDPR and that they respect and uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, including the right to the protection of personal data.

The DSA is a proposal for a regulation that seeks to harmonise the rules and responsibilities of online intermediaries, such as platforms, hosting services, cloud providers and online marketplaces, in order to ensure a safe and trustworthy online environment for users and businesses. The DSA introduces a set of obligations for online intermediaries, such as transparency, accountability, due diligence, cooperation and reporting, depending on their size, role and impact. The DSA also establishes a new governance and cooperation system among the national authorities and the European Commission, as well as a mechanism for out-of-court dispute resolution.

The DGA is a proposal for a regulation that aims to foster the availability of data for use by increasing trust in data intermediaries and by strengthening data-sharing mechanisms across the EU. The DGA introduces a new legal framework for data sharing services, such as data brokers, data marketplaces, data trusts and data cooperatives, that facilitate data exchange between data holders and data users. The DGA also sets out rules and requirements for data altruism, which is the voluntary consent of individuals or organisations to share data for the common good. The DGA also establishes a new governance model for data sharing in the EU, involving the European Data Innovation Board, the national competent authorities and the European Commission.

The DMA is a proposal for a regulation that intends to limit the power of large online platforms that act as gatekeepers in the digital market, by imposing a set of obligations and prohibitions to prevent unfair practices and ensure fair and open competition. The DMA defines the criteria and the procedure for identifying the gatekeepers, such as search engines, social networks, online marketplaces, app stores and cloud services, that have a significant impact and influence in the digital economy. The DMA also provides for the supervision and enforcement of the rules by the European Commission, as well as the possibility of imposing fines and sanctions for non-compliance.

References:

GDPR, Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

DSA, Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

DGA, Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

DMA, Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

According to the GDPR, one of the legal bases for transferring personal data to a third country or an international organization is when the transfer is necessary for the protection of the vital interests of the data subject or of another person, where the data subject is physically or legally incapable of giving consent (Article 49(1)©). This exception applies only in very limited and exceptional situations, such as life-threatening medical emergencies. In this scenario, ProStorage most likely relied on this legal basis to transfer Ruth’s medical information to the hospital in India, where she suffered a medical emergency and was hospitalized. Ruth was presumably unable to give her consent due to her health condition, and the transfer of her medical information was necessary to protect her vital interests, such as her life or health. Therefore, this transfer mechanism was more appropriate than the other options, which either require consent or are not relevant to the situation.

References: GDPR, Article 49(1)©1; EDPB Guidelines 2/2018 on derogations of Article 49 under Regulation 2016/6792, page 9.

The GDPR allows for derogations for specific situations when a transfer of personal data to a third country or an international organization cannot be based on an adequacy decision, appropriate safeguards, or binding corporate rules1. However, these derogations are exceptions to the general rule and should not become the norm. The EDPB confirmed that derogations should only be used as a last resort and when interpreted restrictively, taking into account the nature of the data, the purpose and duration of the processing, the country of origin and destination, and the rights and freedoms of data subjects23. The EDPB also stressed that the data exporter must assess the level of protection in the third country and ensure that the transfer does not undermine the essence of the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects23. References: 1: Article 49 of the GDPR 2: Guidelines 2/2018 on derogations of Article 49 under Regulation 2016/679 3: A guide to international transfers | ICO

 According to Article 47(2)(a) of the GDPR, binding corporate rules (BCRs) must be legally binding and apply to and be enforced by every member concerned of the group of undertakings, or group of enterprises engaged in a joint economic activity, including their employees1. This means that all employees within the group must comply with the BCRs, irrespective of their location or the jurisdiction where they operate. The other options are incorrect, as they do not reflect the requirements of the GDPR or the guidance of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) on BCRs23. References:

GDPR Article 47(2)(a)

EDPB Guidelines 3/2018 on the territorial scope of the GDPR

EDPB Guidelines 2/2018 on derogations of Article 49 under Regulation 2016/679

 A layered notice is a privacy notice designed to respond to problems with excessively long notices1. A short notice — the top layer — provides a user with the key elements of the privacy notice, such as the identity of the organisation, the purposes of the processing, and the rights of the data subjects2. The full notice — the bottom layer — covers all the intricacies in full, such as the lawful basis, the retention periods, and the recipients of the personal data2. The ICO recommends using a layered approach to deliver privacy information in a concise, transparent, intelligible, and easily accessible way, as required by the UK GDPR3. A layered notice allows data subjects to access the information they need at the appropriate level of detail and helps organisations to comply with the right to be informed23. References: 2

This is not a common characteristic of cloud-computing services, as the supplier usually does not assume the vendor’s business risk. In fact, the supplier often limits its liability for data breaches or losses, and the vendor remains responsible for complying with data protection laws and regulations. The other options are common characteristics of cloud-computing services, as they reflect the nature of cloud computing as a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective way of processing data, but also pose challenges for data protection and security. References:

Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 17, section 2.3.2

CIPP/E Certification, page 12, section 2.3.2

Cipp-e Study guides, Class notes & Summaries, page 23, section 2.3.2

You have just been hired by a toy manufacturer based in Hong Kong. The company sells a broad range of dolls, action figures and plush toys that can be found internationally in a wide variety of retail stores. Although the manufacturer has no offices outside Hong Kong and in fact does not employ any staff outside Hong Kong, it has entered into a number of local distribution contracts. The toys produced by the company can be found in all popular toy stores throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. A large portion of the company’s revenue is due to international sales.

The company now wishes to launch a new range of connected toys, ones that can talk and interact with children. The CEO of the company is touting these toys as the next big thing, due to the increased possibilities offered: The figures can answer children’s Questions: on various subjects, such as mathematical calculations or the weather. Each figure is equipped with a microphone and speaker and can connect to any smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Any mobile device within a 10-meter radius can connect to the toys via Bluetooth as well. The figures can also be associated with other figures (from the same manufacturer) and interact with each other for an enhanced play experience.

When a child asks the toy a question, the request is sent to the cloud for analysis, and the answer is generated on cloud servers and sent back to the figure. The answer is given through the figure’s integrated speakers, making it appear as though that the toy is actually responding to the child’s question. The packaging of the toy does not provide technical details on how this works, nor does it mention that this feature requires an internet connection. The necessary data processing for this has been outsourced to a data center located in South Africa. However, your company has not yet revised its consumer-facing privacy policy to indicate this.

In parallel, the company is planning to introduce a new range of game systems through which consumers can play the characters they acquire in the course of playing the game. The system will come bundled with a portal that includes a Near-Field Communications (NFC) reader. This device will read an RFID tag in the action figure, making the figure come to life onscreen. Each character has its own stock features and abilities, but it is also possible to earn additional ones by accomplishing game goals. The only information stored in the tag relates to the figures’ abilities. It is easy to switch characters during the game, and it is possible to bring the figure to locations outside of home and have the character’s abilities remain intact.

Why is this company obligated to comply with the GDPR?

A. The company has offices in the EU. B. The company employs staff in the EU. C. The company’s data center is located in a country outside the EU. D. The company’s products are marketed directly to EU customers.

Answer:

Verified Answer: D. The company’s products are marketed directly to EU customers.

 According to section 6(1)© of the GDPR1, personal data shall be processed by organisations, which offer goods or services or otherwise carry out activities, in relation to which processing of personal data may be regarded as relevant for their legitimate interests. The legitimate interests referred to are those arising from the performance of a task carried out in their name or on their behalf, or for their own purposes. The legitimate interests referred to are those arising from the performance of a task carried out in their name or on their behalf, or for their own purposes. The legitimate interests referred to are those arising from the performance of a task carried out in their name or on their behalf, or for their own purposes. The legitimate interests referred to are those arising from the performance of a task carried out in their name or on their behalf, or for their own purposes. The legitimate interests referred to are those arising from the performance of a task carried out in their name or on their behalf, or for their own purposes. The legitimate interests referred to are those arising from the performance of a task carried out in their name or on their behalf, or for their own purposes. The legitimate interests referred to are those arising from the performance

 The GDPR requires that consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous1. This means that app developers must provide clear and transparent information about the purposes and legal basis of the data processing, and allow users to choose which types of processing they agree to and which they do not. For example, users should be able to consent separately to different types of cookies, such as functional, analytical or marketing cookies2. Users should also be able to withdraw their consent at any time as easily as they gave it1. Therefore, app design and implementation must take into account these requirements and provide users with granular and user-friendly consent options, rather than relying on pre-ticked boxes, implied consent or default settings3. References: 1 Art. 4 (11) and Art. 7 GDPR – Definitions and Conditions for consent - General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)2 Guidelines 05/2020 on consent under Regulation 2016/679 - European Data Protection Board3 How To Make Compliant GDPR Consent Forms (With Examples) - Termly.

 According to Article 5 of the GDPR, personal data must be processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organisational measures (‘integrity and confidentiality’)1. The company’s decision to install cameras in the entrance of the building, hallways and offices may violate this principle, as it may expose the personal data of the employees and visitors to unnecessary risks, such as hacking, misuse or disclosure. Moreover, the company must also comply with the other principles of data processing, such as lawfulness, fairness and transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy and storage limitation1. The company must have a legitimate and specific purpose for installing the cameras, and must inform the data subjects about the processing of their personal data. The company must also ensure that the cameras collect only the minimum amount of data necessary for the purpose, and that the data are accurate and kept for no longer than necessary. The company must also respect the rights and freedoms of the data subjects, and provide them with the means to exercise their rights, such as the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, object or port2.

The most realistic step the company could take to address their security concerns and comply with the personal data processing principles set out in Article 5 of the GDPR is to restrict the camera placement to building entrances only. This would limit the scope and impact of the data processing, and reduce the risks to the personal data of the employees and visitors. The company would still need to inform the data subjects about the processing, and ensure that the footage is securely stored and transferred, especially if it is monitored by the home office in the United States, which is a third country that may not offer adequate protection for personal data3. The company would also need to consider the possibility of obtaining the consent of the data subjects, or relying on another legal basis for the processing, such as the legitimate interests of the company or the performance of a contract4. References:

Article 5 of the GDPR

[Article 12-23 of the GDPR]

[Article 44-50 of the GDPR]

[Article 6 of the GDPR]

According to the Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 12, “the GDPR requires data controllers to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure and to be able to demonstrate that processing is performed in accordance with the GDPR. These measures should take into account the nature, scope, context and purposes of processing as well as the risks of varying likelihood and severity for the rights and freedoms of natural persons.” The GDPR also requires data controllers to ensure the security of personal data, to notify data breaches to the supervisory authorities and data subjects, and to cooperate with the supervisory authorities in providing any information necessary for the performance of their tasks. Therefore, the GDPR requirement that data controllers must be in control of the data they hold at all times will present the most significant challenges for organizations with BYOD programs, as they will have to deal with the increased risks of data loss, theft, unauthorized access, or misuse that may arise from the use of personal devices by employees or contractors. The other options are not necessarily more challenging for organizations with BYOD programs, although they may involve other obligations under the GDPR, such as obtaining a valid legal basis, providing adequate safeguards, or informing the data subjects. References:

Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 12

GDPR, Articles 24, 25, 28, 32, 33, 34 and 58

 The GDPR requires that the processor only processes personal data on behalf of the controller and according to the controller’s instructions12. The agreement between the controller and the processor must include provisions that ensure that the processor does not process personal data for any other purposes or in a manner that is inconsistent with the controller’s instructions34. Therefore, if the processor stores personal data that is not necessary for the performance of the contract with the controller, such as the social network followers of the client, this is a breach of the GDPR and the processor may be fined2. The fact that the data base is password-protected does not affect the applicability of the GDPR or the security principle, as the data is still personal data that can identify data subjects. The storage limitation principle also requires that personal data be kept for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed, so deleting the data base after the audit does not make the situation compliant. References: 1: Article 28 of the GDPR 2: Guidelines 07/2020 on the concepts of controller and processor in the GDPR 3: Understanding Controller-to-Processor Agreements - GDPR Advisor 4: New Guidelines on Data Controllers and Processors: Time to Review Data Processing Agreements : Article 4 of the GDPR : Article 5 of the GDPR

Article 8 of the ECHR protects the right to respect for private and family life, home and correspondence. However, this right is not absolute and can be subject to limitations by a public authority in accordance with the law and for a legitimate aim. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has developed a two-stage test to determine whether such limitations are justified. First, the court must examine whether there is a legitimate aim pursued by the public authority, such as national security, public safety or the prevention of crime. Second, the court must assess whether the means used by the public authority are appropriate and necessary to achieve that aim, taking into account all relevant factors such as proportionality, necessity and less restrictive alternatives12. Therefore, the right to privacy is not an absolute right but a qualified one that has to be balanced against other rights under the ECHR. References:

Article 8 - Protection of personal data

Your right to respect for private and family life

Right to respect for private and family life

Guide on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights

European Convention on Human Rights - Article 8

The GDPR and the Convention 108 are two important data protection instruments that aim to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals with regard to their personal data. They both have some similarities and some differences, but one common feature is that they both require notification of processing activities to a supervisory authority.

A supervisory authority is an independent public body that monitors and enforces compliance with data protection laws. In the EU, there are 47 national data protection authorities (DPAs) that have the power to impose administrative fines, issue guidelines, conduct investigations, and cooperate with other authorities1. In the Council of Europe, there are 54 parties to the Convention 108 that have established their own supervisory authorities or have agreed to be supervised by an external authority2.

Notification of processing activities is a requirement for any controller or processor of personal data that falls under the scope of the GDPR or the Convention 108. A controller is a natural or legal person who determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data3. A processor is a natural or legal person who processes personal data on behalf of a controller3. Notification means informing the supervisory authority about certain aspects of the processing, such as:

The identity and contact details of the controller and processor

The categories and sources of personal data

The purposes and legal basis for processing

The recipients or categories of recipients of personal data

The retention period or criteria for determining it

The existence of any automated decision-making or profiling

The rights of data subjects and how they can exercise them

Notification can be done in various ways, such as:

Submitting a written notification form

Publishing a notice on a website or other platform

Sending an email or other electronic message

Using an online system or portal

Notification should be done as soon as possible after becoming aware of any relevant information about the processing. It should also be updated whenever there are significant changes in relation to the processing4.

Therefore, both the GDPR and the Convention 108 require notification of processing activities to a supervisory authority. This is one way to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with data protection laws.

 The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) are derived from the e-privacy Directive 2002/58/EC, which aims to protect the privacy and confidentiality of users of electronic communications services. The PECR cover various aspects of electronic marketing, such as the use of cookies, unsolicited communications, and traffic and location data. According to the PECR, the following marketing-related activities require the consent of the user or subscriber, unless certain exemptions apply:

The use of cookies or similar technologies to store or access information on the user’s device (Regulation 6).

The sending of electronic mail for direct marketing purposes to individual subscribers who have not given their prior consent (Regulation 22).

The making of unsolicited calls for direct marketing purposes to individual subscribers who have registered their number with the Telephone Preference Service or who have objected to such calls from a specific caller (Regulation 21).

The sending of unsolicited communications for direct marketing purposes by means of electronic mail, fax, or automated calling systems to corporate subscribers, unless they have indicated that they do not wish to receive such communications (Regulation 23).

Therefore, among the four options, the one that is least likely to be covered by the provisions of the PECR is the advertisements passively displayed on a website, as they do not involve the use of cookies, the sending of unsolicited communications, or the processing of traffic or location data. However, such advertisements may still be subject to other data protection laws, such as the GDPR, if they involve the processing of personal data of the users.

References:

PECR

e-privacy Directive

ICO guide to PECR

 According to the UK GDPR, employees have the right to access and receive a copy of their personal data, and other supplementary information, from their employer. This is known as a data subject access request (DSAR). Employers must respond to a DSAR without delay and within one month of receipt of the request, unless the request is complex or excessive. Employers should perform a reasonable search for the requested information and provide it in an accessible, concise and intelligible format. Employers can only refuse to provide the information if an exemption or restriction applies, or if the request is manifestly unfounded or excessive. Some of the exemptions that may apply in the employment context are: legal privilege, management forecasting, confidential references, negotiations, regulatory functions, and criminal convictions and offences. Employers should disclose the information securely and inform the employee of their rights and the source of the data. References:

Right of access | ICO

Subject access request Q and As for employers | ICO

Data Subject Access Request (Employers’ Guide) | DavidsonMorris

 The ePrivacy Directive (ePD) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are two EU laws that regulate different aspects of personal data processing. The ePD focuses on electronic communications and the use of cookies and similar technologies, while the GDPR covers the broader principles and rights of data protection. Both laws apply to any organization that processes personal data of individuals in the EU, regardless of where the organization is located.

Option D involves both electronic communication and personal data processing, and therefore requires compliance with both ePD and GDPR. Paying a search engine company to give prominence to certain products and services within specific search results implies the use of cookies or similar technologies to track the online behavior of users and target them with personalized ads. This requires the consent of the users under the ePD, as well as the provision of clear and comprehensive information about the purpose and scope of the data processing. Moreover, the organization must comply with the GDPR requirements for data protection by design and by default, data minimization, data security, data subject rights, and accountability.

Option A only involves the use of cookies or similar technologies, and therefore only requires compliance with the ePD. Creating an untargeted pop-up ad on a website does not involve the processing of personal data, as the ad is not based on the online behavior or preferences of the users. However, the organization must still obtain the consent of the users for the use of cookies or similar technologies, and provide them with clear and comprehensive information about the purpose and scope of the data processing.

Option B only involves the processing of personal data, and therefore only requires compliance with the GDPR. Calling a potential customer to notify her of an upcoming product sale involves the collection and use of the customer’s personal data, such as name, phone number, and purchase history. The organization must have a lawful basis for the data processing, such as consent, contract, or legitimate interest, and must respect the data subject rights, such as the right to object, the right to access, and the right to erasure.

Option C only involves the processing of personal data, and therefore only requires compliance with the GDPR. Emailing a customer to announce that his recent order should arrive earlier than expected involves the use of the customer’s personal data, such as name, email address, and order details. The organization must have a lawful basis for the data processing, such as consent, contract, or legitimate interest, and must respect the data subject rights, such as the right to object, the right to access, and the right to erasure. References:

Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 15, section 2.3.3

CIPP/E Certification, page 10, section 1.1.2

Cipp-e Study guides, Class notes & Summaries, document “CIPP/E Exam Summary 2023”, page 42, section 2.3.3

ePrivacy: The EU’s other data protection rule

The New Rules of Data Privacy

A guide to GDPR data privacy requirements

A guide to the data protection principles

The GDPR applies to all personal data, regardless of whether it exists in physical form or not. The GDPR defines personal data as any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, such as names, identification numbers, location data, or online identifiers1. Therefore, any information that can be linked directly or indirectly to a natural person is considered personal data under the GDPR.

However, the GDPR also distinguishes between different types of processing activities and their legal bases. Processing activities are the operations performed on personal data, such as collection, storage, use, disclosure, or deletion. Processing activities can be either automated or manual. Automated processing means using technology to perform processing activities without human intervention. Manual processing means using human intervention to perform processing activities.

The GDPR requires that any processing activity that involves personal data must comply with certain principles and conditions, such as lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and confidentiality. These principles and conditions apply to both automated and manual processing activities.

Therefore, the GDPR applies to personal data that exists in physical form only when it is processed by an automated means in some way that affects its rights and freedoms. For example, if a company scans paper documents and stores them electronically in a database without deleting them after a certain period of time or when they are no longer needed for the original purpose for which they were collected (Article 6), then this would be considered an automated processing activity that involves personal data in physical form.

However, the GDPR does not apply to personal data that exists in physical form when it is handled in a sufficiently structured manner so as to form part of a filing system. For example, if a company keeps paper documents in folders labeled with names and dates on their office shelves without scanning them or storing them electronically anywhere else (Article 5), then this would not be considered an automated processing activity that involves personal data in physical form.

References:

Physical Data - GDPR Summary

What GDPR Means for Your Physical Records - Access

Personal Data - Data Protection Act 2018

 According to the Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 16, “the GDPR provides for a one-stop-shop mechanism, which means that a controller or processor with establishments in several Member States will have only one supervisory authority as its interlocutor, which will act as the lead authority. However, this does not mean that the lead authority has exclusive competence to supervise all processing activities of the controller or processor throughout the EU. The GDPR also allows for the possibility of a relevant and reasoned objection by a concerned supervisory authority, which may trigger the consistency mechanism and the involvement of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB). Moreover, the GDPR recognizes the right of any supervisory authority to adopt urgent measures on its own territory or to commence legal proceedings before a court in its Member State in order to protect the rights and freedoms of data subjects.” Therefore, the lead regulator should accept the Spanish supervisory authority’s notice that it plans to take action regarding Sofia’s complaint, as the GDPR permits non-lead authorities to take action for such complaints, especially when they involve urgent measures or legal proceedings to protect the data subjects’ rights and freedoms. The other options are incorrect, as they do not reflect the GDPR’s provisions on the one-stop-shop mechanism and the cooperation and consistency mechanisms. References:

Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 16

GDPR, Articles 56, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 and 66

The GDPR does not explicitly regulate background checks, but it does apply to the processing of personal data that may be obtained or used during such checks. Therefore, the company must comply with the GDPR principles, such as lawfulness, fairness, transparency, data minimization, purpose limitation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and confidentiality, and accountability. The company must also identify a lawful basis for processing personal data, such as legal obligation, legitimate interest, or consent, and respect the data subject rights, such as the right to information, access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection, and portability. Moreover, the company must be aware of the specific rules and restrictions regarding the processing of special categories of data (such as biometric, health, or political data) and data relating to criminal convictions and offences, which are subject to Article 10 of the GDPR and the laws of each member state. The company must also consider the national employment laws and the guidelines of the relevant supervisory authorities, which may impose additional conditions or limitations on the scope, methods, and purposes of background checks. For example, some member states may require prior authorization, notification, or consultation with the supervisory authority, the data subject, or the works council before conducting background checks. Some member states may also prohibit or restrict certain types of background checks, such as social media screening, credit checks, or criminal record checks, unless they are necessary, proportionate, and relevant for the specific job position or sector. Therefore, the company must conduct a thorough assessment of the legal framework and the risks and benefits of background checks in each member state where it operates or recruits employees, and ensure that it has a clear and consistent policy and procedure for conducting background checks in a GDPR-compliant manner. References: How to ‘background check’ under the GDPR, How to perform GDPR compliant background checks, GDPR and the processing of criminal conviction data across Europe, Pre-employment vetting: Data protection and criminal records, How GDPR Affects Background Checking

According to the WP29 guidance on DPIA1, conducting a single DPIA to address multiple processing operations is allowed when the following conditions are met:

The processing operations present similar high risks, which would result in very similar mitigating measures;

The DPIA is reviewed and updated regularly to take into account any changes or new risks;

The DPIA is complemented by ad hoc assessments where necessary to address more specific issues.

The WP29 guidance cites the example of a railway operator who plans to evaluate the same video surveillance in all the train stations of his company as a case where a single DPIA would be sufficient, provided that the above conditions are met2. The other options do not meet these conditions, as they involve different types of processing operations, different purposes, different data subjects, or different technologies. References:

WP29 guidance on DPIA

WP29 guidance on DPIA, page 16

According to the GDPR, any transfer of personal data to a third country or an international organisation must be based on an adequacy decision by the Commission, appropriate safeguards by the data exporter and importer, or derogations for specific situations1. In this scenario, InstaHR is an Australian based company that processes personal data on behalf of ProStorage, a Dutch based company. Australia is not recognised by the Commission as a country that provides an adequate level of data protection2, so the adequacy option is not available. Binding corporate rules (BCRs) are internal rules adopted by multinational groups of companies or organisations that define their global policy with regard to the international transfers of personal data within the same corporate group to entities located in countries that do not provide an adequate level of protection3. However, BCRs are not applicable in this case, as InstaHR is not part of the same corporate group as ProStorage. Explicit consent of employees is a possible derogation for specific situations, but it is not a reliable or practical transfer mechanism, as it must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous, and it can be withdrawn at any time4. Therefore, the most suitable transfer mechanism for using InstaHR is standard contractual clauses (SCCs). SCCs are contractual clauses that have been pre-approved by the Commission and that provide appropriate safeguards for data protection when transferring personal data from the EU/EEA to third countries. SCCs are legally binding and enforceable by data subjects, and they impose obligations on both the data exporter and the data importer. SCCs are widely used by data controllers and processors as a transfer mechanism under the GDPR. References: 1: Art. 44 GDPR - General principle for transfers22: Adequacy decisions - European Commission13: Binding corporate rules - European Commission14: Article 7 of the GDPR. : Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) - European Commission1.

According to the GDPR, consent is one of the lawful bases for processing personal data1. Consent means any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her2. Therefore, consent must be specific to each purpose of processing and cannot be bundled with other purposes3. If a company wants to use personal data for a new purpose that is not compatible with the original purpose for which consent was given, it must obtain a new consent from the data subjects for the new processing4. Simply informing the data subjects of the new purpose or updating the privacy notice is not sufficient, as it does not imply the data subject’s agreement to the new processing. Proceeding with the new processing without obtaining a new consent would be unlawful and could result in fines and sanctions5. References:

Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 23, section 4.1.1

GDPR, Article 4 (11)

GDPR, Recital 32

GDPR, Article 6 (4)

GDPR, Article 83 (5) (a)

Under GDPR and EU employment law, employee monitoring must comply with the principles of necessity, proportionality, legitimacy, and transparency​.

Legal requirements for employee monitoring:

Necessity: Employers must demonstrate that monitoring is necessary for a legitimate purpose.

Proportionality: The monitoring must be the least intrusive method available.

Transparency: Employees must be fully informed about what is being monitored​.

Why is D the correct answer?

GDPR requires that monitoring must be explicitly communicated and justified.

Employers can monitor work emails, browsing history, and video calls, but only if employees are clearly informed and the purpose is justified​.

Why are other answers incorrect?

A (Monitoring all contractor activity) → Contractors have data protection rights too; monitoring must still be necessary and proportionate.

B (Daily consent requirement) → Employee consent is not valid under GDPR in most cases due to power imbalance​.

C (Monitoring in non-secure environments only) → The location does not determine the lawfulness of monitoring.

Conclusion: The correct answer is D, as only explicitly marked and justified monitoring is lawful under GDPR​.

 According to Article 9 of the GDPR, special category data is personal data that needs more protection because it is sensitive. The GDPR defines 10 types of personal data as special categories, which are:

personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin;

personal data revealing political opinions;

personal data revealing religious or philosophical beliefs;

personal data revealing trade union membership;

genetic data;

biometric data (where used for identification purposes);

data concerning health;

data concerning a person’s sex life; and

data concerning a person’s sexual orientation.

Among the answer choices, only option B falls under one of these categories, as trade union membership is considered to reveal political opinions or beliefs. Option A, C and D are not considered as special category data, as they do not reveal any sensitive information about the data subject. However, they are still subject to the general principles and rules of the GDPR, such as lawfulness, fairness, transparency, accuracy, security, etc. References:

Special category data | ICO

Art. 9 GDPR Processing of special categories of personal data

Special Categories of Data - International Association of Privacy Professionals

Section: (none)

Explanation

The GDPR provides more latitude for a company to process data beyond its original collection purpose when the data has been pseudonymized, which means that the data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information. Pseudonymization is a technique that reduces the linkability of personal data with the data subject, and enhances the security and privacy of the data processing. According to the GDPR, pseudonymization is one of the measures that can help the company to implement the principles of data protection by design and by default, and to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR obligations. Moreover, the GDPR states that the further processing of pseudonymized data for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes is not considered to be incompatible with the initial purposes, provided that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the rights and freedoms of the data subjects. Therefore, pseudonymization can enable the company to use the data for other purposes that are beneficial for society or for innovation, without compromising the privacy of the individuals. References:

GDPR, Article 4 (5), Article 5 (1) (b), Article 6 (4) (e), Article 25, Article 32 (1) (a), Article 40 (2) (d), Article 89

Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 17, section 2.4.1

CIPP/E Certification, page 12, section 1.1.3

Cipp-e Study guides, Class notes & Summaries, document “CIPP/E Exam Summary 2023”, page 45, section 2.4.1

[Pseudonymisation techniques and best practices]

 According to the ICO guidance on the use of cookies and similar technologies1, browser settings and other control mechanisms can be relied upon for the lawful application of cookies only if they meet the following conditions:

They are designed to protect users’ privacy and provide them with control over the use of cookies and similar technologies;

They are prominent and easy to use, and do not require users to take unnecessary steps or provide unnecessary information;

They are specific and granular enough to allow users to express their preferences for different types and purposes of cookies and similar technologies;

They are sufficiently informed and clear about the cookies and similar technologies that will be set or accessed, and the purposes for which they will be used;

They are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in the cookies and similar technologies that are used or the purposes for which they are used;

They are not overridden or circumvented by other software or settings that may interfere with users’ choices;

They provide an effective means of withdrawing consent at any time.

Therefore, browser settings and other control mechanisms can be a valid way of obtaining consent for cookies and similar technologies, but only if they meet these high standards and ensure that users have a real and meaningful choice over the use of cookies and similar technologies on their devices. References: 1 How do we comply with the cookie rules? | ICO. Available at: 4 (Accessed: 11 December 2023).

 According to the GDPR, personal data must be processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to the data subject1. The GDPR also recognizes that the processing of special categories of personal data, such as data revealing political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or data concerning health or sex life, may entail a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons2. Therefore, such data can only be processed under certain conditions, such as when the data subject has given explicit consent, or when the processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest3.

In this scenario, Ben had the company collect additional data from its customers, including their philosophical beliefs, political opinions and marital status, without a valid legal basis or a legitimate purpose. He also copied the data of the single customers onto a separate database for his own online dating website, without informing them or obtaining their consent. This processing of special categories of personal data created a significant risk to the customers’ fundamental rights and freedoms, such as their right to privacy, dignity, non-discrimination and self-determination. The customers may also suffer from identity theft, fraud, harassment, or unwanted marketing as a result of the unauthorized use of their data. Therefore, Ben’s actions constituted the most serious violation of the GDPR in this scenario.

References:

Art. 5 GDPR – Principles relating to processing of personal data

Recital 51 GDPR – Protecting sensitive personal data

Art. 9 GDPR – Processing of special categories of personal data

[Guidelines 3/2019 on processing of personal data through video devices]

I hope this helps you understand the GDPR and data processing better. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me. ????

 According to Article 58 of the GDPR, each supervisory authority has the power to notify the controller or the processor of an alleged infringement of the GDPR as part of its investigative powers. This power allows the supervisory authority to alert the controller or the processor of a possible violation of the GDPR and to initiate further actions if necessary. The notification may also include recommendations or instructions on how to remedy the infringement or prevent further violations. References:

Article 58 of the GDPR

European Data Protection Law & Practice textbook, Chapter 9: Supervision and Enforcement, Section 9.2: Supervisory Authorities, Subsection 9.2.2: Powers of Supervisory Authorities

According to the E-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, the place of establishment for a company providing services via an Internet website is the place where the service provider effectively pursues an economic activity through a fixed establishment for an indefinite period of time. The presence and use of the technical means and technologies required to provide the service do not, in themselves, constitute an establishment of the provider. The place of establishment is determined by the place where the decisions about processing are made, not by the place where the technology supporting the website is located, where the website is accessed, or where the customer’s Internet service provider is located. This is confirmed by the GDPR, which applies to the processing of personal data in the context of the activities of an establishment of a controller or a processor in the EU, regardless of whether the processing takes place in the EU or not. References:

E-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Article 2(a), Recital 191

GDPR, Article 3(1)2

 A data protection impact assessment (DPIA) is a process to help identify and minimise the data protection risks of a project that involves personal data, especially when using new technologies or processing that is likely to result in a high risk to individuals1. The UK GDPR requires data controllers to carry out a DPIA before starting such processing and to consult the supervisory authority if the DPIA indicates a high risk that cannot be mitigated1. The UK GDPR also provides some general guidance on the content and methodology of a DPIA, but it does not prescribe a specific format or procedure1. Therefore, to effectively assist Zandelay in conducting their DPIA, it would be helpful to refer to existing DPIA guides published by local supervisory authorities, such as the ICO in the UK or the DPC in Ireland23. These guides offer more detailed and practical advice on how to conduct a DPIA, what to include in it, how to assess and mitigate the risks, and when to consult the authority23. They also provide templates, checklists, examples, and case studies to illustrate the DPIA process23. By following these guides, Zandelay can ensure that their DPIA is comprehensive, consistent, and compliant with the UK GDPR and the relevant national laws.

The other options are not as effective as option C, because:

Option A: Information about DPIAs found in Articles 38 through 40 of the UK GDPR is too general and vague to assist Zandelay in conducting their DPIA. These articles only outline the basic requirements and principles of a DPIA, but do not provide any specific guidance on how to conduct one, what to include in it, or how to assess and mitigate the risks1. Zandelay would need more detailed and practical advice to effectively perform a DPIA.

Option B: Data breach documentation that data controllers are required to maintain is not relevant to conducting a DPIA. A data breach is a security incident that leads to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data1. A data controller must document any data breaches, including the facts, effects, and remedial actions taken, and notify the supervisory authority and the affected individuals without undue delay1. However, a data breach is not the same as a data protection risk, which is the potential for adverse effects on individuals as a result of the processing of their personal data2. A DPIA is a proactive and preventive measure to identify and minimise the data protection risks of a project, not a reactive and corrective measure to deal with the consequences of a data breach2.

Option D: Records of processing activities that data controllers are required to maintain are not sufficient to assist Zandelay in conducting their DPIA. A record of processing activities is a document that contains information about the purposes, categories, recipients, transfers, retention periods, and security measures of the processing of personal data by a data controller or a data processor1. A data controller must maintain a record of processing activities under its responsibility and make it available to the supervisory authority upon request1. However, a record of processing activities is not the same as a DPIA, which is a more in-depth and systematic analysis of the data protection risks and the measures to address them2. A record of processing activities may provide some useful information for a DPIA, such as the nature, scope, context, and purposes of the processing, but it does not cover other aspects, such as the necessity, proportionality, compliance, and impact of the processing2.

https://blog.netwrix.com/2021/02/17/data-protection-impact-assessment/

https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations-2/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/accountability-and-governance/data-protection-impact-assessments/

 According to the GDPR, processors must maintain records of all categories of processing activities carried out on behalf of each controller, containing the following information12:

the name and contact details of the processor or processors and of each controller on behalf of which the processor is acting, and, where applicable, of the controller’s or the processor’s representative, and the data protection officer;

the categories of processing carried out on behalf of each controller;

where applicable, transfers of personal data to a third country or an international organisation, including the identification of that third country or international organisation and, in the case of transfers referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 49(1), the documentation of suitable safeguards;

where possible, a general description of the technical and organisational security measures referred to in Article 32(1).

The records must be in writing, including in electronic form, and must be made available to the supervisory authority on request. The obligation to maintain records does not apply to an enterprise or an organisation employing fewer than 250 persons unless the processing it carries out is likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of data subjects, the processing is not occasional, or the processing includes special categories of data or personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences.

The GDPR does not require processors to include details of any data protection impact assessment (DPIA) conducted in relation to any processing activities carried out by the processor on behalf of each controller for which the processor is acting. A DPIA is a process to help identify and minimise the data protection risks of a project. It is the responsibility of the controller to carry out a DPIA where a type of processing is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons. The processor may assist the controller in carrying out the DPIA, but the processor does not have to document it in its records of processing activities. Therefore, the correct answer is D. References:

GDPR, Article 30(2)

GDPR, Article 35

ICO, Documentation1

ICO, Data protection impact assessments1

According to Article 28(3)(f) of the GDPR, the written agreement between the controller and the processor must include an obligation on the processor to assist the controller in ensuring compliance with the controller’s obligations pursuant to Articles 32 to 36 of the GDPR. These obligations include notifying the supervisory authority and the data subjects about personal data breaches, as well as conducting data protection impact assessments and consulting with the supervisory authority when required. The processor must assist the controller by taking appropriate technical and organisational measures, insofar as this is possible, and considering the nature of the processing and the information available to the processor. References:

GDPR Article 28(3)(f)

CIPP/E Textbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.2.2, page 154

Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 18

According to the GDPR, personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person1. Body temperature is a type of personal data that can reveal information about an individual’s health and therefore constitutes special category data under Article 9 of the GDPR2. However, not every activity involving personal data falls within the scope of the GDPR. The GDPR applies only to the processing of personal data wholly or partly by automated means or to the processing other than by automated means of personal data which form part of a filing system or are intended to form part of a filing system3.

In this scenario, the organization conducts body temperature checks as a part of COVID-19 monitoring. Body temperature is measured manually and is not followed by registration, documentation or other processing of an individual’s personal data. This means that the organization does not use any automated means to collect, store, or process the body temperature data, nor does it create or intend to create a filing system that contains such data. Therefore, this practice does not involve any processing of personal data within the meaning of the GDPR and is not subject to its rules and obligations.

The other options are incorrect because:

A. Body temperature is considered personal data, as it can be linked to an identifiable natural person and reveal information about their health2.

C. Body temperature is not considered pseudonymous data, as it is not processed in a way that the data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information4.

D. The practice is not for the purpose of alleviating extreme risks to public health, as it is not based on any legal obligation, public interest, or vital interest that would justify the processing of special category data under Article 9 of the GDPR5.

References: 1 Article 4(1) of the GDPR2 Policy Brief: Location Data Under Existing Privacy Laws | FPF23 Article 2(1) of the GDPR4 Article 4(5) of the GDPR5 Article 9(2) of the GDPR.

Convention 108+ is the modernised version of Convention 108, which was the first legally binding international instrument on data protection. The main purpose of Convention 108+ is to update and enhance the protection of personal data in light of the technological developments and the new challenges posed by the globalisation of data processing. Convention 108+ also aims to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of data protection principles and rules, as well as to facilitate the free flow of data between the parties to the Convention.

References:

•Convention 108+ : the modernised version of a landmark instrument1

•Convention 108 and Protocols - Data Protection - The Council of Europe2

•Convention 108 - Council of Europe3

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) does not prohibit surveillance of employees in the workplace. Still, it requires employers to follow special rules to ensure that the rights and freedoms of employees are protected when processing their personal data. The GDPR applies to any processing of personal data in the context of the activities of an establishment of a controller or a processor in the EU, regardless of whether the processing takes place in the EU or not. The GDPR also applies to the processing of personal data of data subjects who are in the EU by a controller or processor not established in the EU, where the processing activities are related to the offering of goods or services to data subjects in the EU or the monitoring of their behaviour as far as their behaviour takes place within the EU.

The GDPR requires that any processing of personal data must be lawful, fair and transparent, and based on one of the six legal grounds specified in the regulation. The most relevant legal grounds for employee surveillance are the legitimate interests of the employer, the performance of a contract with the employee, or the compliance with a legal obligation. The GDPR also requires that any processing of personal data must be limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which they are processed, and that the data subjects must be informed of the purposes and the legal basis of the processing, as well as their rights and the safeguards in place to protect their data.

The GDPR also imposes specific obligations and restrictions on the processing of special categories of personal data, such as biometric data, which reveal racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, or which are processed for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person. The processing of such data is prohibited, unless one of the ten exceptions listed in the regulation applies. The most relevant exceptions for employee surveillance are the explicit consent of the data subject, the necessity for the purposes of carrying out the obligations and exercising specific rights of the controller or of the data subject in the field of employment and social security and social protection law, or the necessity for reasons of substantial public interest.

The GDPR also sets out the rules and requirements for the transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations, which do not ensure an adequate level of data protection. The transfer of such data is only allowed if the controller or processor has provided appropriate safeguards, such as binding corporate rules, standard contractual clauses, codes of conduct or certification mechanisms, and if the data subjects have enforceable rights and effective legal remedies.

Based on the scenario, the only condition under which the surveillance system could be used on the personal devices of employees is if the employees give valid consent and the monitoring is narrowly limited to their professional tasks. This option is the most consistent with the GDPR’s principles and requirements, as it:

Is based on a valid legal ground for the processing of personal data, namely the consent of the data subject, which must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous, and which can be withdrawn at any time.

Is limited to what is necessary for the purposes of the monitoring, as it only covers the work-related activities and communications of the employees, and excludes the private or personal ones.

Is transparent to the employees, as it informs them of the monitoring and its precise scope, and gives them the opportunity to object or opt out of the monitoring.

Does not involve the processing of special categories of personal data, such as biometric data or data revealing political opinions or trade union membership, which are not necessary or proportionate for the purposes of the monitoring, and which do not fall under any of the exceptions listed in the regulation.

Does not involve the transfer of personal data to a third country, such as China, which does not provide an adequate level of data protection, and which may pose additional risks for the rights and freedoms of the employees.

The other options listed in the question are not valid conditions for using the surveillance system on the personal devices of employees, as they:

Are not based on a valid legal ground for the processing of personal data, as they either rely on the legitimate interests of the employer, which are not balanced with the rights and freedoms of the employees, or on the compliance with a legal obligation, which does not apply to the use of personal devices.

Are not limited to what is necessary for the purposes of the monitoring, as they involve the collection and processing of excessive and irrelevant personal data, such as camera and microphone monitoring, screen captures, keystrokes, and facial recognition data, which go beyond the scope of the work performed by the employees, and intrude into their private or personal sphere.

Are not transparent to the employees, as they do not inform them of the monitoring and its precise scope, and do not give them the opportunity to object or opt out of the monitoring.

Involve the processing of special categories of personal data, such as biometric data or data revealing political opinions or trade union membership, which are not necessary or proportionate for the purposes of the monitoring, and which do not fall under any of the exceptions listed in the regulation.

Involve the transfer of personal data to a third country, such as China, which does not provide an adequate level of data protection, and which may pose additional risks for the rights and freedoms of the employees.

References:

GDPR, Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49.

EDPB Guidelines 3/2019 on processing of personal data through video devices, pages 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

EDPB Guidelines 07/2020 on the concepts of controller and processor in the GDPR, pages 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28.

EDPB Guidelines 4/2019 on Article 25 Data Protection by Design and by Default, pages 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28.

EDPB Guidelines 2/2018 on derogations of Article 49 under Regulation 2016/679, pages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Data protection: GDPR and employee surveilance | Feature | Law Gazette, paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

According to Article 46(2)© of the GDPR, standard contractual clauses adopted by a supervisory authority and approved by the Commission pursuant to the examination procedure referred to in Article 93(2) can be used as a legal basis for data transfers to third countries12. This means that, in addition to the European Commission, national data protection authorities can adopt standard contractual clauses, provided that they meet the conditions and requirements set out in the GDPR and obtain the approval of the Commission. The other options are not correct, as approved data controllers, the Council of the European Union and the European Data Protection Supervisor do not have the power to adopt standard contractual clauses under the GDPR. References: CIPP/E Certification - International Association of Privacy Professionals, Free CIPP/E Study Guide - International Association of Privacy Professionals, GDPR - EUR-Lex, Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) - European Commission

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please let me know. ????.

The NIS2 Directive is the EU’s legislation on cybersecurity that updates and replaces the previous NIS Directive. It aims to create a high common level of cybersecurity across the EU by setting up legal measures for the security of network and information systems used by essential and important entities in various sectors and by enhancing cooperation among the member states. The NIS2 Directive does not establish a common controls framework that every organization must adopt, but rather allows each member state to define the appropriate security measures and incident reporting requirements for the entities under its jurisdiction, taking into account the specificities of each sector and subsector. However, the NIS2 Directive does provide some general principles and objectives for the security measures, such as proportionality, risk-based approach, state of the art, and regular review and update. The NIS2 Directive also introduces minimum harmonised rules for the supervision and enforcement of the security measures and incident reporting obligations, including the possibility of imposing administrative fines.

References:

NIS2 Directive, Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

The NIS2 Directive: A high common level of cybersecurity in the EU, pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Under the GDPR, using CCTV on business premises involves the processing of personal data, which requires compliance with the data protection principles and obligations. However, notifying the appropriate data protection authority (DPA) is not one of the steps that a company should take before using CCTV, unless the DPA has specifically requested it or the CCTV involves high-risk processing that requires prior consultation. The other steps are necessary to ensure GDPR compliance, as explained below:

Performing a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) is a mandatory requirement for any type of processing that is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals, such as large-scale or systematic monitoring of public areas. A DPIA is a process that helps identify and mitigate the potential privacy risks of using CCTV, and document the measures taken to address them. A DPIA should include a description of the processing, its purpose and necessity, its risks and benefits, the safeguards and security measures, and the consultation with stakeholders. A DPIA should be carried out before the CCTV system is installed or upgraded, and reviewed regularly or whenever there is a significant change in the processing.

Creating an information retention policy for those who operate the system is a good practice to ensure that the personal data collected by CCTV is not kept longer than necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, and that it is securely deleted or anonymised when no longer needed. The retention period should be determined by the specific purpose and context of using CCTV, and take into account any legal or contractual obligations, as well as the expectations and rights of the data subjects. The retention policy should also specify who is responsible for managing and deleting the CCTV footage, and how the deletion process is verified and documented.

Ensuring that safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized access to the footage is an essential requirement to comply with the GDPR principle of integrity and confidentiality, which states that personal data must be processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the data, including protection against unauthorized or unlawful processing and accidental loss, destruction or damage. The safeguards may include technical and organisational measures, such as encryption, access control, logging, audit, training, policies and procedures, that aim to protect the CCTV footage from unauthorized or unlawful access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction, both during transmission and storage. References: GDPR Article 35, GDPR Article 36, GDPR Article 5, CCTV and video surveillance | ICO, 5 Step Guide to Check if Your CCTV is GDPR Compliant

 According to the Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 14, “if the DPIA indicates that the processing would result in a high risk in the absence of measures taken by the controller to mitigate the risk, the controller shall consult the supervisory authority prior to the processing.” This means that the controller must seek the advice of the supervisory authority when the DPIA identifies high risks that cannot be sufficiently reduced by the controller’s own measures. The other options are not necessarily cases where the consultation is required, although they may trigger other obligations under the GDPR, such as obtaining a valid legal basis, providing adequate safeguards, or informing the data subjects. References:

Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 14

GDPR, Article 36

 The ePrivacy Directive is a European Union (EU) directive that aims to protect the confidentiality of electronic communications and prevent their indiscriminate interception or monitoring. It was adopted in 2002 and amended in 2009. It applies to all providers of electronic communication services, such as internet service providers, mobile network operators, and online platforms12.

One of the main objectives of the ePrivacy Directive is to ensure that the retention of communications traffic data for law enforcement purposes is subject to strict conditions and safeguards. Communications traffic data refers to any information relating to the transmission or routing of electronic communications, such as IP addresses, timestamps, and metadata3. Such data can be used by competent national authorities for the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences and safeguarding national security4.

However, the ePrivacy Directive does not allow individual EU member states to engage in such data retention without harmonizing their rules. Article 6(1)(b) of the directive states that “Member States shall ensure that any measures taken by them in relation to the retention of traffic data are consistent with this Directive”. Therefore, each EU member state must adopt a national law that complies with the requirements and limitations set by the directive12.

The Data Retention Directive (DRD) was a previous EU directive that aimed to establish a common framework for the retention of communications traffic data for law enforcement purposes across all EU member states. It was adopted in 2006 and amended in 2010. However, it was annulled by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in 2014 on procedural grounds. The CJEU found that some provisions of the DRD were inconsistent with other EU directives and principles, such as Article 8(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (CFR), which protects individuals from arbitrary interference with their privacy56.

The GDPR is a new EU regulation that implements some aspects of the DRD into national law through its provisions on processing personal data. However, it does not address directly the issue of communications traffic data retention for law enforcement purposes. Instead, it requires providers to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk involved in processing personal data. These measures include encryption, pseudonymisation, access control, and accountability7 . The GDPR also grants individuals certain rights regarding their personal data, such as access, rectification, erasure, portability, and objection7 .

Therefore, under current EU law, there is no single legal basis for retaining communications traffic data for law enforcement purposes across all EU member states. Each member state must adopt its own national law that respects the principles and limitations established by the ePrivacy Directive.

References:

ePrivacy Directive

ePrivacy Regulation

What is Communications Traffic Data?

How is Communications Traffic Data Retained?

Data Retention Directive

Data Retention Directive annulled by CJEU

General Data Protection Regulation

What are your rights regarding your personal data?

The aim of the European Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC was to establish a common legal framework for the protection of personal data within the European Union, and to ensure the free movement of such data within the internal market. The Directive was based on the recognition that the processing of personal data affects the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, especially their right to privacy, and that these rights need to be respected and safeguarded. At the same time, the Directive acknowledged that the free flow of personal data is essential for the economic and social development of the EU, and that the harmonization of data protection laws would facilitate the exchange of information and the provision of services across the member states. Therefore, the Directive aimed to strike a balance between the protection of individuals’ rights and the promotion of the internal market, by laying down the key principles, obligations and rights for the processing of personal data, and by providing mechanisms for cooperation and coordination among the national data protection authorities. References: Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, Data Protection Directive - Wikipedia

According to the UK GDPR, consent means “any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her” 1. One of the requirements for consent to be informed is that the data subject should be aware of the identity of the controller who is processing the personal data 2. In this scenario, Ms. Iman only gave consent to Liem to process her personal data for marketing purposes, but she was not informed that JaphSoft, a third-party controller, would also access and process her personal data. Therefore, her consent was not valid in regard to JaphSoft, as she did not know who was processing her personal data and for what purposes. References:

UK GDPR Article 4 (11)

UK GDPR Recital 42

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) does not prohibit surveillance of employees in the workplace. Still, it requires employers to follow special rules to ensure that the rights and freedoms of employees are protected when processing their personal data. The GDPR applies to any processing of personal data in the context of the activities of an establishment of a controller or a processor in the EU, regardless of whether the processing takes place in the EU or not. The GDPR also applies to the processing of personal data of data subjects who are in the EU by a controller or processor not established in the EU, where the processing activities are related to the offering of goods or services to data subjects in the EU or the monitoring of their behaviour as far as their behaviour takes place within the EU.

The GDPR requires that any processing of personal data must be lawful, fair and transparent, and based on one of the six legal grounds specified in the regulation. The most relevant legal grounds for employee surveillance are the legitimate interests of the employer, the performance of a contract with the employee, or the compliance with a legal obligation. The GDPR also requires that any processing of personal data must be limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which they are processed, and that the data subjects must be informed of the purposes and the legal basis of the processing, as well as their rights and the safeguards in place to protect their data.

The GDPR also imposes specific obligations and restrictions on the processing of special categories of personal data, such as biometric data, which reveal racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, or which are processed for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person. The processing of such data is prohibited, unless one of the ten exceptions listed in the regulation applies. The most relevant exceptions for employee surveillance are the explicit consent of the data subject, the necessity for the purposes of carrying out the obligations and exercising specific rights of the controller or of the data subject in the field of employment and social security and social protection law, or the necessity for reasons of substantial public interest.

The GDPR also sets out the rules and requirements for the transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations, which do not ensure an adequate level of data protection. The transfer of such data is only allowed if the controller or processor has provided appropriate safeguards, such as binding corporate rules, standard contractual clauses, codes of conduct or certification mechanisms, and if the data subjects have enforceable rights and effective legal remedies.

Based on the scenario, the only monitoring that may be lawfully performed within the scope of Gentle Hedgehog’s business is the monitoring of emails, website browsing history and camera for internal video calls that are expressly marked as monitored. This option is the most consistent with the GDPR’s principles and requirements, as it:

Is based on the legitimate interests of the employer to ensure the productivity, quality and security of the work performed by the employees, as well as the performance of a contract with the employees and the compliance with a legal obligation to prevent fraud and protect confidential information.

Is limited to what is necessary for the purposes of the monitoring, as it only covers the work-related activities and communications of the employees, and excludes the private or personal ones.

Is transparent to the employees, as it informs them of the monitoring and its precise scope, and gives them the opportunity to object or opt out of the monitoring.

Does not involve the processing of special categories of personal data, such as biometric data or data revealing political opinions or trade union membership, which are not necessary or proportionate for the purposes of the monitoring.

Does not involve the transfer of personal data to a third country, such as China, which does not provide an adequate level of data protection, and which may pose additional risks for the rights and freedoms of the employees.

The other options listed in the question are not lawful monitoring within the scope of Gentle Hedgehog’s business, as they:

Are not based on a valid legal ground for the processing of personal data, as they either rely on the consent of the employees, which is not freely given, informed and specific, or on the legitimate interests of the employer, which are not balanced with the rights and freedoms of the employees.

Are not limited to what is necessary for the purposes of the monitoring, as they involve the collection and processing of excessive and irrelevant personal data, such as camera and microphone monitoring, screen captures, keystrokes, and facial recognition data, which go beyond the scope of the work performed by the employees, and intrude into their private or personal sphere.

Are not transparent to the employees, as they do not inform them of the monitoring and its precise scope, and do not give them the opportunity to object or opt out of the monitoring.

Involve the processing of special categories of personal data, such as biometric data or data revealing political opinions or trade union membership, which are not necessary or proportionate for the purposes of the monitoring, and which do not fall under any of the exceptions listed in the regulation.

Involve the transfer of personal data to a third country, such as China, which does not provide an adequate level of data protection, and which may pose additional risks for the rights and freedoms of the employees.

References:

GDPR, Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49.

EDPB Guidelines 3/2019 on processing of personal data through video devices, pages 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

EDPB Guidelines 07/2020 on the concepts of controller and processor in the GDPR, pages 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28.

EDPB Guidelines 4/2019 on Article 25 Data Protection by Design and by Default, pages 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28.

EDPB Guidelines 2/2018 on derogations of Article 49 under Regulation 2016/679, pages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Data protection: GDPR and employee surveilance | Feature | Law Gazette, paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

According to the transparency principle, data controllers must provide clear and transparent information to data subjects about how their personal data is processed. This information must be easily accessible and easy to understand. Providing a hyperlink to the organization’s home page, in a hard copy application form, is not considered a fair processing practice in relation to the transparency principle, because it does not directly inform the data subject about the specific purposes and legal basis of the processing, the data protection rights and obligations, and the contact details of the data controller and the data protection officer. This information should be provided in a concise, intelligible and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language, in a way that is appropriate to the means of communication. Providing a hyperlink to the organization’s home page, in a hard copy application form, does not meet these criteria and may also be inaccessible to some data subjects who do not have internet access or are not familiar with the use of hyperlinks. Therefore, this option is not a fair processing practice in relation to the transparency principle. References: 1234 https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/direct-marketing-and-privacy-and-electronic-communications/guidance-for-the-use-of-personal-data-in-political-campaigning-1/lawful-fair-and-transparent- processing/ https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/direct-marketing-and-privacy-and-electronic-communications/guidance-for-the-use-of-personal-data-in-political-campaigning-1/lawful-fair-and-transparent-processing/

According to Article 14 of the GDPR, where personal data is not obtained directly from the data subject, the controller must provide the data subject with certain information about the processing, such as the identity of the controller, the purposes and legal basis of the processing, the categories of personal data concerned, the recipients or categories of recipients of the personal data, and the rights of the data subject12. However, there are some exceptions to this obligation, as specified in Article 14(5). One of them is when the provision of such information proves impossible or would involve a disproportionate effort, in particular for processing for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes, subject to the conditions and safeguards referred to in Article 89(1) or in so far as the obligation is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing12. In such cases, the controller must take appropriate measures to protect the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, including making the information publicly available12. References: CIPP/E Certification - International Association of Privacy Professionals, Free CIPP/E Study Guide - International Association of Privacy Professionals, GDPR - EUR-Lex, Right to be Informed - General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The Data Retention Directive (2006/24/EC) was a legal framework that required Member States to ensure that providers of publicly available electronic communications services or of public communications networks retained certain data for a period of between six months and two years, for the purpose of the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of serious crime1. However, on 8 April 2014, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) declared the Directive invalid, as it entailed a wide-ranging and particularly serious interference with the fundamental rights to respect for private life and to the protection of personal data, without limiting the access of the competent national authorities to the data retained to what was strictly necessary2. The CJEU also found that the Directive did not provide sufficient safeguards to ensure effective protection of the data against the risk of abuse and against any unlawful access and use of the data2. Therefore, the Directive is no longer part of EU law.

References:

Directive 2006/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

Court of Justice of the European Union PRESS RELEASE No 54/14

I hope this helps you understand the GDPR and data retention better. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me. ????

Works councils are employee representative bodies that exist in some European countries, such as Germany, France, Spain and Italy. They have various roles and powers depending on the national laws and collective agreements, but generally they aim to protect and promote the interests of the employees in relation to the employer. Some of the common roles of works councils are:

Determining whether to approve or reject certain decisions of the employer that affect employees, such as transfers, dismissals, redundancies, working hours, health and safety, etc.

Determining whether employees’ personal data can be processed or not, based on the principle of co-determination, which means that the employer needs the consent of the works council for any data processing that involves employee monitoring, evaluation or control.

Determining what changes will affect employee working conditions, such as wages, benefits, training, social facilities, etc.

However, works councils do not have the role of determining the monetary fines to be levied against employers for data breach violations of employee data. This is the role of the data protection authorities, which are independent public bodies that supervise, through investigative and corrective powers, the application of the data protection law. Works councils may cooperate with the data protection authorities or file complaints on behalf of the employees, but they do not have the authority to impose sanctions on the employers. References: Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 27; CIPP/E Certification, page 13.

 The “one-stop-shop” mechanism of the GDPR is a system of co-operation and consistency procedures that aims to ensure that the data protection regulation is enforced uniformly across all member states and calls on the data protection authorities (DPAs) across member states to co-operate with each other and the Commission to ensure consistent application of the GDPR1. The “one-stop-shop” mechanism applies to organisations that conduct cross-border data processing, which means that they process personal data in the context of the activities of their establishments in more than one member state, or that they target or monitor data subjects in more than one member state1. Under the “one-stop-shop” mechanism, such organisations will have to deal primarily with the DPA of the member state where they have their main establishment or their single establishment in the EU, which will act as their lead supervisory authority for all matters related to their cross-border data processing1. The lead supervisory authority will co-ordinate with other concerned supervisory authorities, which are the DPAs of the member states where the data subjects are affected by the data processing1. The lead supervisory authority will have the competence to adopt binding decisions regarding measures to ensure compliance with the GDPR, such as imposing administrative fines or ordering the suspension of data flows1. However, the “one-stop-shop” mechanism does not prevent the concerned supervisory authorities from acting against organisations in exceptional cases, even if they do not have any type of establishment in the member state of the respective authority1. These exceptional cases include the following situations2:

When a complaint is lodged with a supervisory authority, the subject matter relates only to an establishment in its member state or substantially affects data subjects only in its member state;

When a supervisory authority is addressing a possible infringement related to the offering of goods or services to data subjects in its member state or to the monitoring of their behaviour in its member state;

When a supervisory authority adopts provisional measures intended to produce legal effects in its own member state;

When an urgent need to act arises in order to protect the rights and freedoms of data subjects. In these cases, the concerned supervisory authority will inform the lead supervisory authority and the other concerned supervisory authorities, and will try to reach a consensus on the action to be taken2. If no consensus is reached, the consistency mechanism will apply, which involves the intervention of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) to issue a binding decision on the matter2. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. References: Art. 60 GDPR – Cooperation between the lead supervisory authority and the other supervisory authorities concerned, Guidelines 3/2018 on the territorial scope of the GDPR (Article 3)