True or False: Data protection by design begins prior to processing and incorporates data protection considerations into the planning phase.

The statement is true because the principle of data protection by design emphasizes that data privacy and protection measures should be integrated into the development and planning processes from the very beginning, before any data processing occurs. This concept is deeply rooted in the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates that organizations consider privacy at the initial stages of any project that involves personal data.

By embedding data protection rights and responsibilities into the architecture of systems and processes, organizations can proactively identify and mitigate potential privacy risks. This approach not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also fosters a culture of privacy within the organization. It allows businesses to create processes that are respectful of users' privacy while simultaneously achieving their operational objectives.