GDPR: what are the basic principles?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is based on six basic principles that you must take into account when processing personal data.
Basic principles
1. Lawfulness, fairness and transparency
You are obliged to process personal data in a transparent manner with respect for all applicable laws, regulations and rules.
2. Purpose limitation (finality and proportionality)
You may only process personal data for the purpose of your research, and the processing must be reasonable and proportionate to the purpose of your research.
3. Data minimisation
You may only use the personal data necessary to achieve the objectives of your research.
4. Accuracy
The personal data that you process must be accurate.
5. Storage limitation
The personal data that you process may not be kept longer than necessary for your current research or for possible further analyses of the data.
6. Confidentiality and integrity
As a researcher you must handle personal data confidentially and take appropriate measures to guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of the data.
Accountability
The general principle of accountability also applies in this context.
For this, it is important to ask yourself the following questions: at the start of my research, did I thoroughly consider and document the privacy aspects of my research, and am I able to demonstrate that I have actively taken responsibility for processing personal data in a secure manner?
More information
More tips
- GDPR: how am I transparent to data subjects in my research? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: how can I ensure that the processing of personal data is lawful? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: how can I protect my data correctly? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: how do I register personal data processing activities? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: how long can research data containing personal data be stored? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what are personal data? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what are the different roles and responsibilities according to the GDPR? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: What do I need to think about when transferring personal data to third countries or international organisations? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what do I need to think about when using a mailing list in the context of my research? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what has changed with regard to the previous privacy legislation? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what information should I include in an informed consent form when the processing of personal data is based on the consent of the data subjects? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what is the General Data Protection Regulation? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what rights do data subjects have, how do I respect them and what exceptions may apply to research? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: What should I do if there is a data breach? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what should I do in the event of further/secondary processing of personal data? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what should I keep in mind when designing my research? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: what should I keep in mind when processing special categories of personal data? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: What should I think about when I collaborate with others or share my data? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: What should I think about when processing personal data from minors? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: When am I processing high-risk personal data and when do I need to conduct a DPIA? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: when does it apply to my research? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: who are considered as vulnerable persons? (Scientific Integrity)
- GDPR: why is it important to comply with this legislation? (Scientific Integrity)
Translated tip
Last modified Aug. 31, 2021, 1:53 p.m.