Processing personal political opinion data in electoral activities: all in the public interest

Authors

  • Rosa María García Sanz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18042/cepc/rep.183.05

Keywords:

Personal data protection right, electoral activities, political opinions processing, privacy.

Abstract

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes several provisions that allow political parties to lawfully process political opinion data based on the “public interest” during electoral activities. As the operation of democratic systems in Member States motivates political parties to compile data on citizens’ political opinions, the processing of such data may be permitted for reasons of public interest, provided that appropriate safeguards are established. However, it is argued that the fundamental right of personal data protection can be seriously limited, or even ignored, in such circumstances.

Issue

Section

ARTICLES