Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for processing personal data under GDPR?

Processing personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires a valid legal basis, and maintaining compliance with these bases is crucial for lawful data handling. Each recognized basis serves a specific purpose defined within the GDPR framework.

Complying with a legal obligation, obtaining consent from the data subject, and fulfilling a contract performance are all legitimate grounds for processing personal data. These bases are outlined in Article 6 of the GDPR, which specifies the conditions under which processing is lawful.

On the other hand, business convenience does not represent a valid legal basis for processing personal data. Simply citing convenience or operational efficiency does not meet the necessary legal criteria set by the regulation to justify the handling of personal data. Data protection principles emphasize the protection of individual privacy rights over business interests, meaning that companies must provide clear justifications for their data practices rooted in the lawful bases outlined in the GDPR rather than vague notions of convenience. Therefore, the absence of a valid legal ground like “business convenience” makes it clear that this option does not align with GDPR compliance.