A data subject may object to the processing of personal data for which categories?

In the context of data protection under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), data subjects have specific rights regarding the processing of their personal data, including the right to object to processing under certain circumstances.

The correct response indicates that a data subject can object to processing for public interest, legitimate interest, and direct marketing purposes, but not typically for legal claims.

When it comes to public interest or legitimate interest, individuals have the right to object if they feel their fundamental rights and freedoms outweigh the organization's interests. Direct marketing is particularly emphasized in GDPR; individuals have an unequivocal right to object to processing for such purposes, ensuring they can control whether their data is used for marketing campaigns.

Regarding research or statistical purposes, while there are provisions for these purposes, individuals might still have the ability to voice objections, especially when the research is not in the public interest or if personal data is being utilized in a way that significantly impacts them. However, objections may not apply if legislation mandates the processing, such as for legal claims, which is why it is excluded in the correct answer.

Thus, the rationale behind identifying the correct option hinges on understanding the rights granted to data subjects in various contexts under GDPR, where certain categories allow for objections, while others —