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What are the legal grounds for processing? | GDPR FAQ
What are the legal grounds for processing? | GDPR FAQ

To process personal data under GDPR, you need a legal basis. What are the options?

Robin Bonass avatar
Written by Robin Bonass
Updated over a week ago

Q: I am trying to get my database of existing candidates into compliance for the GDPR. What are the legal grounds for processing personal information?


A:
There are six grounds for processing personal data:

(a) Data subject has given consent;
(b) Processing is needed to fulfill or establish a contract with the data subject;
(c) The controller has a legal obligation to process;
(d) When processing protects the vital interests of the data subject;
(e) Processing would be in the public interest;
(f) The controller, or third party, has a legitimate interest in processing the data. This interest cannot override the rights of the data subject, and cannot be applied to special categories of sensitive personal data.

References: 

Article 6(1), GDPR

Additional Information:

In reality, some of these may be less relevant to a recruitment agency than others. It is reasonable to consider times when a consent form, a contractual commitment, or a legitimate interest may be used by a recruiter. Processing to protect the life of the data subject, or for a public interest, are less likely to play a part in recruiters’ compliance programmes.

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