Privacy Principles¶

The seven GDPR principles form the foundation of data protection. Every data processing activity must comply with all seven.

The Seven Principles¶

1. Lawfulness, Fairness & Transparency¶

What it means:

• Have a valid legal basis for every processing activity
• Do not deceive people about how you use their data
• Provide clear, accessible information about your data practices

In practice:

• Publish a privacy notice that explains what you do with data
• Choose your legal basis before you start processing
• Do not use data in ways that would surprise the individual

2. Purpose Limitation¶

What it means:

• Collect data for specific, stated purposes only
• Do not use data for unrelated purposes without new justification

In practice:

• Document why you collect each piece of data
• If you want to use data for a new purpose, check if it is compatible with the original purpose or get new consent

3. Data Minimization¶

What it means:

• Collect only data that is necessary for your stated purpose
• Do not collect data "just in case" you might need it later

In practice:

• Review forms and data collection points regularly
• Remove optional fields that provide no clear benefit
• Question whether each data element is truly needed

4. Accuracy¶

What it means:

• Keep personal data accurate and up to date
• Correct or delete inaccurate data promptly

In practice:

• Provide ways for users to update their own information
• Have processes to verify and update data periodically
• Respond to correction requests without delay

5. Storage Limitation¶

What it means:

• Keep data only as long as needed for your purposes
• Delete or anonymize data when it is no longer necessary

In practice:

• Define retention periods for each data category
• Implement automated deletion where possible
• Document why you need to keep data beyond obvious use periods

6. Integrity & Confidentiality (Security)¶

What it means:

• Protect data against unauthorized access, loss, or damage
• Use appropriate technical and organizational security measures

In practice:

• Encrypt data in transit and at rest
• Limit access to those who need it
• Train staff on security practices
• Have incident response procedures ready

7. Accountability¶

What it means:

• Be able to demonstrate compliance with all principles
• Take responsibility for your data protection practices

In practice:

• Maintain records of processing activities
• Document your decisions and justifications
• Conduct regular compliance reviews
• Assign clear responsibilities for privacy

Applying Principles in Dxtra¶

Dxtra helps you implement these principles:

Next: Individual Rights