Answer ... There are no specific derogations from the provisions of the EU General Data Protection Regulation in relation to the definition of terms. The key terms are thus defined as follows.
(a) Data processing
Any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.
(b) Data processor
A natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.
(c) Data controller
A natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by EU or member state law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by EU or member state law.
(d) Data subject
An identifiable natural person who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
(e) Personal data
Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person.
(f) Sensitive personal data
The specific term is ‘special categories of personal data’, which refers to:
- data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership; and
- genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or data concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation.
(g) Consent
Any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which he or she, through a statement or a clear affirmative action, signifies his or her agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her.