Käsittelyperusta

Käsittelyperusta is a Finnish term that translates to "basis for processing" or "processing basis" in English. It refers to the legal grounds upon which personal data can be lawfully collected, stored, and used. In the context of data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), organizations must identify and document a valid käsittelyperusta for all personal data processing activities.

There are several recognized legal bases for processing personal data. These typically include consent, where the data subject has freely given specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of their wishes; the necessity for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract; the necessity for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject; the necessity to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person; the necessity for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller; and the necessity for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data, in particular where the data subject is a child.

Selecting the appropriate käsittelyperusta is crucial for ensuring data processing is compliant with privacy laws. It impacts how data can be collected, how long it can be retained, and what rights individuals have over their data. Organizations are expected to clearly communicate the chosen basis for processing to individuals, usually through privacy notices. The choice of basis should be made carefully and thoughtfully, and it may change over time if the purpose of processing evolves.