Which principle requires that personal data must be processed lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner?

The principle that mandates personal data must be processed lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner is foundational to data protection regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This principle emphasizes the importance of ensuring that individuals understand how their data is being used, which aligns with the broader goals of protecting privacy and maintaining trust in data handling practices.

When data is processed lawfully, it means that the processing is based on a legitimate legal basis defined by regulations. Fairness refers to handling personal data in ways that individuals would reasonably expect, ensuring that the processing does not use data in a way that would unjustly impact the data subjects. Transparency involves clear communication to individuals about how their data will be used, thereby empowering them with information and control over their own data.

In contrast, the other concepts mentioned focus on different aspects of data protection. Data minimization relates to collecting only the data that is necessary and relevant for a specific purpose, while purpose limitation ensures that data is only used for the purposes for which it was originally collected. Data accuracy mandates that the data held is accurate and up to date. While these principles are also important for lawful data handling, they do not directly address the requirement for lawfulness, fairness, and transparency in data processing