Short Answer 
The GDPR outlines lawful reasons for processing personal data, which include legal obligations, explicit consent, and contractual necessity. It emphasizes the importance of obtaining clear, informed, and revocable consent from individuals and mandates compliance with GDPR regulations even for data processing outside the EU, requiring adequate data protection measures and respect for data subjects’ rights.
Step 1: Identify Lawful Reasons for Data Processing
Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), there are several lawful reasons for processing personal data. These include:
- Legal Obligations: Processing is necessary to comply with legal requirements.
- Explicit Consent: The data subject has provided clear consent for specific data usage.
- Contractual Necessity: Data processing is essential for fulfilling contract obligations with the data subject.
Step 2: Understand the Importance of Consent
Obtaining explicit consent from individuals is crucial when processing their personal data. This means that the consent must be clearly given and not assumed. Key aspects of consent include:
- Consent must be informed: The individual must understand what they’re agreeing to.
- It must be specific: Consent should pertain to particular purposes of data usage.
- Revocability: Individuals need the option to withdraw their consent at any time.
Step 3: Ensure Compliance in Data Processing Outside the EU
Data processing that occurs outside of the EU still requires compliance with GDPR regulations. This means all data processors handling personal information of EU citizens, regardless of location, must adhere to the law. Key considerations include:
- Establishing adequate data protection measures in the processing country.
- Ensuring that the data subject’s rights are respected and protected.
- Conducting regular audits to maintain compliance and safeguard personal data.