Syftesavgränsning

Syftesavgränsning is a Swedish term that translates to "purpose limitation" or "scope limitation" in English. It refers to the principle of defining and restricting the specific purposes for which data can be collected, processed, and used. This principle is a fundamental aspect of data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union.

The core idea behind syftesavgränsning is that personal data should not be collected for one stated purpose and then used for entirely different, incompatible purposes without further justification or consent. Organizations are required to clearly define the objectives for data processing at the time of collection and to ensure that data is not processed in a manner that is incompatible with those original purposes. This helps to prevent the indiscriminate use of personal information and enhances transparency for individuals regarding how their data is handled.

Implementing syftesavgränsning involves several steps. It requires organizations to identify and document the specific purposes for data processing, communicate these purposes to data subjects, and then ensure that all processing activities align with these documented purposes. If a new purpose for processing arises, it must be assessed for compatibility with the original purpose, and if deemed incompatible, new consent or a different legal basis may be required. This principle plays a crucial role in maintaining trust and ensuring that data is handled responsibly and ethically.