What Counts as Processing Personal Data?

In the world of data protection, processing personal data is a crucial concept. But what exactly counts as processing personal data? In this article, we'll dive into the details and provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand what constitutes processing personal data.

According to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), processing personal data refers to any operation or set of operations performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means. This includes:

• Collection
• Recording
• Organizing
• Storing
• Adapting
• Altering
• Retrieving
• Erasing
• Disseminating
• Making available
• Aligning
• Combining
• Blocking
• Deleting
• Destroying

But what about data that is not personal? Is it still considered processing personal data? The answer is yes. Even if the data is not personal, if it is linked or related to personal data, it is still considered processing personal data.

For example, if you collect data on website traffic, but that data is linked to individual users, it is still considered processing personal data. Similarly, if you collect data on customer purchases, but that data is linked to individual customers, it is still considered processing personal data.

In conclusion, processing personal data is a broad concept that encompasses a wide range of activities. It is essential to understand what constitutes processing personal data to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.