Answer ... (a) Data processing
“[A]ny 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
“[T]he 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.”
(d) Data subject
An identified or identifiable natural person to whom information relates.
(e) Personal data
“[A]ny information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person.”
(f) Sensitive personal data
The term used in Germany is ‘special categories of personal data’ – that is:
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personal data revealing:
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- racial or ethnic origin;
- political opinions;
- religious or philosophical beliefs; or
- trade union membership;
- genetic data;
- biometric data, if used 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
“[A]ny 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.”