CIPT (Certified Information Privacy Technologist) Practice

What does the term "data subject" refer to?

1. An organization that collects data

2. An individual whose personal data is processed

3. A government entity overseeing data protection

4. A type of data utilized in marketing

The correct answer is: An individual whose personal data is processed

The term "data subject" specifically refers to an individual whose personal data is processed. This concept is foundational to various data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which emphasizes the rights and protections afforded to individuals concerning their personal information. A data subject retains ownership of their personal data and has rights such as access, rectification, erasure, and the right to object to processing, ensuring that their personal information is handled responsibly and ethically. In contrast, organizations that collect data are referred to as data controllers or data processors, and they have specific obligations under data protection regulations to manage and protect the personal data of data subjects. Government entities that oversee data protection are typically regulatory bodies established to ensure compliance with data protection laws, while marketing data types refer to specific data elements utilized for advertising and promotional activities, which do not define or describe an individual. Understanding the role of the data subject is crucial for any privacy technologist, as it underpins the responsibilities and legal frameworks governing personal data use.