What are the key principles of data protection?

The key principles of data protection include:

1. Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency: Data processing should be done in accordance with the law, ensuring fairness and transparency in how personal data is collected, used, and shared.

2. Purpose limitation: Personal data should only be collected for specific, explicit, and legitimate purposes. It should not be further processed in a manner incompatible with these purposes.

3. Data minimization: Only the minimum amount of personal data necessary for the intended purpose should be collected and processed. Unnecessary or excessive data should be avoided.

4. Accuracy: Personal data should be accurate, up-to-date, and kept in a manner that ensures its integrity. Appropriate measures should be taken to rectify or erase inaccurate or incomplete data.

5. Storage limitation: Personal data should be kept in a form that allows identification of individuals for no longer than necessary for the intended purpose. It should be securely deleted or anonymized when no longer needed.

6. Integrity and confidentiality: Personal data should be processed in a manner that ensures its security, protecting it against unauthorized access, loss, or damage. Appropriate technical and organizational measures should be implemented.

7. Accountability: Data controllers are responsible for complying with data protection laws and must be able to demonstrate their compliance. They should have appropriate policies, procedures, and documentation in place to ensure accountability.

These principles are fundamental to safeguarding individuals' privacy and ensuring the responsible handling of personal data in various contexts, including government, businesses, and organizations.