View source for Article 9 GDPR

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<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 1: General provisions</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 1 GDPR|Article 1: Subject-matter and objectives]]<br />
[[Article 2 GDPR|Article 2: Material scope]]<br />
[[Article 3 GDPR|Article 3: Territorial scope]]<br />
[[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4: Definitions]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 2: Principles</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 5 GDPR|Article 5: Principles relating to processing of personal data]]<br />
[[Article 6 GDPR|Article 6: Lawfulness of processing]]<br />
[[Article 7 GDPR|Article 7: Conditions for consent]]<br />
[[Article 8 GDPR|Article 8: Conditions applicable to child’s consent in relation to information society services]]<br />
[[Article 9 GDPR|Article 9: Processing of special categories of personal data]]<br />
[[Article 10 GDPR|Article 10: Processing of personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences]]<br />
[[Article 11 GDPR|Article 11: Processing which does not require identification]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 3: Rights of the data subject</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 12 GDPR|Article 12: Transparent information, communication and modalities for the exercise of the rights of the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 13 GDPR|Article 13: Information to be provided where personal data are collected from the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 14 GDPR|Article 14: Information to be provided where personal data have not been obtained from the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 15 GDPR|Article 15: Right of access by the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 16 GDPR|Article 16: Right to rectification]]<br />
[[Article 17 GDPR|Article 17: Right to erasure (‘right to be forgotten’)]]<br />
[[Article 18 GDPR|Article 18: Right to restriction of processing]]<br />
[[Article 19 GDPR|Article 19: Notification obligation regarding rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing]]<br />
[[Article 20 GDPR|Article 20: Right to data portability]]<br />
[[Article 21 GDPR|Article 21: Right to object]]<br />
[[Article 22 GDPR|Article 22: Automated individual decision-making, including profiling]]<br />
[[Article 23 GDPR|Article 23: Restrictions]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 4: Controller and processor</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 24 GDPR|Article 24: Responsibility of the controller]]<br />
[[Article 25 GDPR|Article 25: Data protection by design and by default]]<br />
[[Article 26 GDPR|Article 26: Joint controllers]]<br />
[[Article 27 GDPR|Article 27: Representatives of controllers or processors not established in the Union]]<br />
[[Article 28 GDPR|Article 28: Processor]]<br />
[[Article 29 GDPR|Article 29: Processing under the authority of the controller or processor]]<br />
[[Article 30 GDPR|Article 30: Records of processing activities]]<br />
[[Article 31 GDPR|Article 31: Cooperation with the supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 32 GDPR|Article 32: Security of processing]]<br />
[[Article 33 GDPR|Article 33: Notification of a personal data breach to the supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 34 GDPR|Article 34: Communication of a personal data breach to the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 35 GDPR|Article 35: Data protection impact assessment]]<br />
[[Article 36 GDPR|Article 36: Prior consultation]]<br />
[[Article 37 GDPR|Article 37: Designation of the data protection officer]]<br />
[[Article 38 GDPR|Article 38: Position of the data protection officer]]<br />
[[Article 39 GDPR|Article 39: Tasks of the data protection officer]]<br />
[[Article 40 GDPR|Article 40: Codes of conduct]]<br />
[[Article 41 GDPR|Article 41: Monitoring of approved codes of conduct]]<br />
[[Article 42 GDPR|Article 42: Certification]]<br />
[[Article 43 GDPR|Article 43: Certification bodies]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 5: Transfers of personal data</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 44 GDPR|Article 44: General principle for transfers]]<br />
[[Article 45 GDPR|Article 45: Transfers on the basis of an adequacy decision]]<br />
[[Article 46 GDPR|Article 46: Transfers subject to appropriate safeguards]]<br />
[[Article 47 GDPR|Article 47: Binding corporate rules]]<br />
[[Article 48 GDPR|Article 48: Transfers or disclosures not authorised by Union law]]<br />
[[Article 49 GDPR|Article 49: Derogations for specific situations]]<br />
[[Article 50 GDPR|Article 50: International cooperation for the protection of personal data]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 6: Supervisory authorities</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 51 GDPR|Article 51: Supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 52 GDPR|Article 52: Independence]]<br />
[[Article 53 GDPR|Article 53: General conditions for the members of the supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 54 GDPR|Article 54: Rules on the establishment of the supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 55 GDPR|Article 55: Competence]]<br />
[[Article 56 GDPR|Article 56: Competence of the lead supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 57 GDPR|Article 57: Tasks]]<br />
[[Article 58 GDPR|Article 58: Powers]]<br />
[[Article 59 GDPR|Article 59: Activity reports]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 7: Cooperation and consistency</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 60 GDPR|Article 60: Cooperation between the lead supervisory authority and the other supervisory authorities concerned]]<br />
[[Article 61 GDPR|Article 61: Mutual assistance]]<br />
[[Article 62 GDPR|Article 62: Joint operations of supervisory authorities]]<br />
[[Article 63 GDPR|Article 63: Consistency mechanism]]<br />
[[Article 64 GDPR|Article 64: Opinion of the Board]]<br />
[[Article 65 GDPR|Article 65: Dispute resolution by the Board]]<br />
[[Article 66 GDPR|Article 66: Urgency procedure]]<br />
[[Article 67 GDPR|Article 67: Exchange of information]]<br />
[[Article 68 GDPR|Article 68: European Data Protection Board]]<br />
[[Article 69 GDPR|Article 69: Independence]]<br />
[[Article 70 GDPR|Article 70: Tasks of the Board]]<br />
[[Article 71 GDPR|Article 71: Reports]]<br />
[[Article 72 GDPR|Article 72: Procedure]]<br />
[[Article 73 GDPR|Article 73: Chair]]<br />
[[Article 74 GDPR|Article 74: Tasks of the Chair]]<br />
[[Article 75 GDPR|Article 75: Secretariat]]<br />
[[Article 76 GDPR|Article 76: Confidentiality]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 8: Remedies, liability and penalties</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 77 GDPR|Article 77: Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 78 GDPR|Article 78: Right to an effective judicial remedy against a supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 79 GDPR|Article 79: Right to an effective judicial remedy against a controller or processor]]<br />
[[Article 80 GDPR|Article 80: Representation of data subjects]]<br />
[[Article 81 GDPR|Article 81: Suspension of proceedings]]<br />
[[Article 82 GDPR|Article 82: Right to compensation and liability]]<br />
[[Article 83 GDPR|Article 83: General conditions for imposing administrative fines]]<br />
[[Article 84 GDPR|Article 84: Penalties]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 9: Specific processing situations</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 85 GDPR|Article 85: Processing and freedom of expression and information]]<br />
[[Article 86 GDPR|Article 86: Processing and public access to official documents]]<br />
[[Article 87 GDPR|Article 87: Processing of the national identification number]]<br />
[[Article 88 GDPR|Article 88: Processing in the context of employment]]<br />
[[Article 89 GDPR|Article 89: Safeguards and derogations relating to processing for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes]]<br />
[[Article 90 GDPR|Article 90: Obligations of secrecy]]<br />
[[Article 91 GDPR|Article 91: Existing data protection rules of churches and religious associations]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 10: Delegated and implementing acts</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 92 GDPR|Article 92: Exercise of the delegation]]<br />
[[Article 93 GDPR|Article 93: Committee procedure]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" overflow:auto;" style="border-width: 0px">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 11: Final provisions</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 94 GDPR|Article 94: Repeal of Directive 95: /46: /EC]]<br />
[[Article 95 GDPR|Article 95: Relationship with Directive 20: 02: /58: /EC]]<br />
[[Article 96 GDPR|Article 96: Relationship with previously concluded Agreements]]<br />
[[Article 97 GDPR|Article 97: Commission reports]]<br />
[[Article 98 GDPR|Article 98: Review of other Union legal acts on data protection]]<br />
[[Article 99 GDPR|Article 99: Entry into force and application]]<br />
</small>
</div>
</div>
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== Legal Text ==
<center>'''Article 9: Processing of special categories of personal data'''</center><span id="1"> 1.   Processing of personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, and the processing of genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or data concerning a natural person's sex life or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.</span>

<span id="2"> 2.   Paragraph 1 shall not apply if one of the following applies:</span>

::<span id="2a"> (a) the data subject has given explicit consent to the processing of those personal data for one or more specified purposes, except where Union or Member State law provide that the prohibition referred to in paragraph 1 may not be lifted by the data subject;</span>

::<span id="2b"> (b) processing is necessary for the purposes of carrying out the obligations and exercising specific rights of the controller or of the data subject in the field of employment and social security and social protection law in so far as it is authorised by Union or Member State law or a collective agreement pursuant to Member State law providing for appropriate safeguards for the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject;</span>

::<span id="2c"> (c) processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person where the data subject is physically or legally incapable of giving consent;</span>

::<span id="2d"> (d) processing is carried out in the course of its legitimate activities with appropriate safeguards by a foundation, association or any other not-for-profit body with a political, philosophical, religious or trade union aim and on condition that the processing relates solely to the members or to former members of the body or to persons who have regular contact with it in connection with its purposes and that the personal data are not disclosed outside that body without the consent of the data subjects;</span>

::<span id="2e"> (e) processing relates to personal data which are manifestly made public by the data subject;</span>

::<span id="2f"> (f) processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims or whenever courts are acting in their judicial capacity;</span>

::<span id="2g"> (g) processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest, on the basis of Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject;</span>

::<span id="2h"> (h) processing is necessary for the purposes of preventive or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the working capacity of the employee, medical diagnosis, the provision of health or social care or treatment or the management of health or social care systems and services on the basis of Union or Member State law or pursuant to contract with a health professional and subject to the conditions and safeguards referred to in paragraph 3;</span>

::<span id="2i"> (i) processing is necessary for reasons of public interest in the area of public health, such as protecting against serious cross-border threats to health or ensuring high standards of quality and safety of health care and of medicinal products or medical devices, on the basis of Union or Member State law which provides for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the data subject, in particular professional secrecy;</span>

::<span id="2j"> (j) processing is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) based on Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject.</span>

<span id="3"> 3.   Personal data referred to in paragraph 1 may be processed for the purposes referred to in point (h) of paragraph 2 when those data are processed by or under the responsibility of a professional subject to the obligation of professional secrecy under Union or Member State law or rules established by national competent bodies or by another person also subject to an obligation of secrecy under Union or Member State law or rules established by national competent bodies.</span>

<span id="4"> 4.   Member States may maintain or introduce further conditions, including limitations, with regard to the processing of genetic data, biometric data or data concerning health.</span>

==Relevant Recitals==
{{Recital/10 GDPR}}{{Recital/46 GDPR}}{{Recital/51 GDPR}}{{Recital/52 GDPR}}{{Recital/53 GDPR}}{{Recital/54 GDPR}}{{Recital/55 GDPR}}{{Recital/56 GDPR}}

==<span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1">Commentary==
<span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1"><span id="r1">Article 9(1) GDPR contains a general prohibition for the processing of special categories of data; that is, data that the legislator has considered to be particularly sensitive for different reasons. Under Article 9(2) such general prohibition is excluded when certain requirements are met. Paragraph 3 lays down specific indications for processing carried out in the context of professional or institutional activities. Finally, Paragraph 4 allows Member States to maintain or introduce further conditions, including limitations, with regard to the processing of genetic data, biometric data or data concerning health.

=== (1) General Prohibition of Processing of Special Categories of Personal Data ===
Article 9(1) GDPR provides a list of special categories of personal data whose processing is generally prohibited unless any of the legal basis under Article 9(2) GDPR applies. The list is exhaustive <ref>''Georgieval, Kuner'', in Kuner et al., The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Article 9 GDPR, p. 375 (Oxford University Press 2020). However, other GDPR provisions consider and regulate processing relating to other categories of data such as data relating to criminal convictions under Article 10 GDPR. See, ''Albers, Veit'', in BeckOK DatenschutzR, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 18 (Beck 2021, 38th ed.) (accessed 29 December 2021).</ref> and includes data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or a natural person's sex life or sexual orientation. 

In general terms, the prohibition of processing shall apply to all data revealing sensitive aspects. These categories are meant to be interpreted broadly<ref>The CJEU shares the same conclusions: “''in the light of the purpose of the directive, the expression 'data concerning health' used in Article 8(1) thereof must be given a wide interpretation so as to include information concerning all aspects, both physical and mental, of the health of an individual''”. See, CJEU, 6 November 2003, Bodil Lindqvist, C-101/01, margin number 50 (available [https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=48382&pageIndex=0&doclang=en&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=157699 here]).</ref> and, according to some authors, not only cover data directly containing sensitive information (i.e. a trade union's badge, or a clinical record) but also data from which sensitive information can be inferred. Take, for instance, the online support given to a political demonstration, or a video footage showing the person accessing a certain hospital department. In both cases, it is argued, the information reveals something sensitive about the individual (either their political views, or a health condition) and should be treated accordingly.<ref>See, ''Petri,'' in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 11 (Beck, 1st ed. 2019) (accessed 4 January 2022). See also, WP29, Advice paper on special categories of data (“sensitive data”), 20 April 2011, [https://ec.europa.eu/justice/article-29/documentation/other-document/files/2011/2011_04_20_letter_artwp_mme_le_bail_directive_9546ec_annex1_en.pdf p. 6].</ref>
===== Racial or ethnic origin =====
This category recognises and expresses the intention to protect the principle of non-discrimination and cultural diversity typical of any modern society. While the characteristic of "racial origin" is based on biological ancestry and hereditary characteristics, ''"''ethnic origin''"'' focuses more on the cultural aspect that characterizes a group of people. These include language, history, tradition, shared values and a sense of togetherness.<ref>''Walker'', in Kühling/Buchner, DS-GVO BDSG, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 26 (Beck 2020, 3rd ed.) (accessed 29 December 2021).</ref> However, the use of the term 'racial' in no way means that the GDPR or the European Union accepts the definition or even worse the existence of a 'race' or 'ethnicity'. This assumption has already been made clear by the WP29<ref>WP29, Advice paper on special categories of data (“sensitive data”), 20 April 2011, [https://ec.europa.eu/justice/article-29/documentation/other-document/files/2011/2011_04_20_letter_artwp_mme_le_bail_directive_9546ec_annex1_en.pdf p. 10].</ref> and subsequently confirmed by Recital 51 GDPR: “''the use of the term ‘racial origin’ in this Regulation does not imply an acceptance by the Union of theories which attempt to determine the existence of separate human races''”. Rather, the special protection is intended to counteract such theories.<ref>''Walker'', in Kühling/Buchner, DS-GVO BDSG, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 25 (Beck 2020, 3rd ed.) (accessed 29 December 2021).</ref> 

===== Political opinions =====

The GDPR does not provide a definition of the expression ''"political opinion".'' It seems clear, however, that any type of clear, unambiguous statement, support or, as the case may be, rejection<ref>''Walker'', in Kühling/Buchner, DS-GVO BDSG, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 27 (Beck 2020, 3rd ed.) (accessed 29 December 2021).</ref> of a political party or of an ideological organization, any subscription to a politically oriented magazine, or participation in offline and online petitions, meetings or demonstrations most likely amount to "political opinion".<ref>For example, the Austrian Federal Administrative Court also has held that data on the "''affinity for a political party''" also qualifies as special categories of personal data, namely as data on political opinions. See, Bundesverwaltungsgericht, 26 November 2020, W258 2217446-1 (available [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokument.wxe?ResultFunctionToken=e9b780cb-e5e0-4be8-81e7-7a49b08cc25b&Position=1&SkipToDocumentPage=True&Abfrage=Bvwg&Entscheidungsart=Undefined&SucheNachRechtssatz=True&SucheNachText=True&GZ=&VonDatum=&BisDatum=&Norm=DSGVO&ImRisSeitVonDatum=&ImRisSeitBisDatum=&ImRisSeit=Undefined&ResultPageSize=100&Suchworte=&Dokumentnummer=BVWGT_20201126_W258_2217446_1_00 here]).</ref> Conversely, opinions that focus on purely commercial facts or express exclusively private interest without reference to the public debate or the functioning of a democratic and pluralistic society are excluded from the definition.<ref>See ''Ship'', in Ehmann, Selmayr, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 19 (Beck, 2nd edition 2018) (accessed 29 December 2021).</ref>

In cases of doubt, a ''broad understanding'' of the term "political opinion" is appropriate in order not to jeopardize the foundations of political opinion-forming.<ref>''Ship'', in Ehmann, Selmayr, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 19 (Beck, 2nd edition 2018) (accessed 29 December 2021).</ref> For these reasons, a fairly large number of ''activities'' are covered by the processing ban with regard to political opinions. They range, for example, from subscriber lists of party political magazines to lists of participants at political events or demonstrations to expressions of interest or approval for political groups in social networks, such as the "Like" on Facebook, as long as it allows a reliable conclusion on a political opinion.<ref>Data revealing political opinions may include value judgments, statements, views and convictions. See, ''Schiff'', in Ehmann, Selmayr, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 15-22 (Beck, 2nd edition 2018) (accessed 10 July 2021).</ref>

===== Religious and philosophical beliefs =====
The protection of religious beliefs aims to protect not only "traditional" religious affiliations but also other secular views (e.g. pacifism, socialism). Followers of natural religions and sects, atheists and anthroposophists, as well as Christians, Muslims, Buddhists or members of ideological organizations, have a right to the fact that information about their convictions may only be processed under special conditions.

===== Trade union membership =====
Expression of Article 28 of the EU Charter, this category reflects the importance of trade unions' action in protecting workers' dignity and work conditions. By restricting the processing of this type of data, this provision reduces the risk of employer's retaliations on grounds of trade union membership.<ref>''Mester'', in Taeger, Gabel, DSGVO BDSG, Article 9, margin number 12, (Beck, 3rd edition 2019) (accessed 4 January 2021).</ref> Information on ''trade union membership'' refers to membership of such organisations and activities that reveal a close connection to a trade union. These include, among other things, the status of union representative, documents showing a certain union membership as well as participation in the foundation or daily handling of union affairs. Depending on the circumstances of the individual case, the subscription to a trade union publication or the distribution of trade union documents (publications, advertising material) may also benefit from the special protection under Article 9 GDPR. This also extends to the expression of interest in the activities of a trade union (e.g. reading the notices, talking to a union member at the trade union stand).<ref>See, ''Petri,'' in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 22 (Beck, 1st ed. 2019) (accessed 4 January 2022).</ref>

===== Genetic data =====
A definition of genetic data can be found in  [[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4(13) GDPR]]. It includes any personal data relating to the inherited or acquired genetic characteristics of a natural person which give unique information about the physiology or the health of that natural person and which result, in particular, from an analysis of a biological sample from the natural person in question.

===== Biometric data =====
A definition of genetic data can be found in [[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4(14)GDPR]]. It refers to personal data resulting from specific technical processing relating to the physical, physiological or behavioural characteristics of a natural person, which allow or confirm the unique identification of that natural person, such as facial images or dactyloscopic data.

With regard to biometric data'','' it should be noted that Article 9(1) only prohibits their processing ''"for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person".'' The processing of biometric purposes for other purposes therefore does not fall under the general prohibition of processing. According to Petri, what exactly "''uniquely identifying''" means is to be based on the processing method and the respective state of the art, but above all on the circumstances of the individual case, and in particular the nature of the data processed.<ref>''Petri,'' in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 14 (Beck, 1st ed. 2019) (accessed 4 January 2022).</ref>

===== Health data =====
A definition of health data can be found in [[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4(15) GDPR]] as any personal data related to the physical or mental health of a natural person, including the provision of health care services, which reveal information about his or her health status. In this way, for example, the Austrian DPA has held that negative PCR (SARS_CoV-2) test are to be qualified as health data.<ref>Datenschutzbehörde, 15 February 2021, DSB-2021-0.101.211 (available here https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokument.wxe?ResultFunctionToken=096d50fd-d36d-4a43-bb00-5ff38c3b6f4d&Position=1&Abfrage=Dsk&Entscheidungsart=Undefined&Organ=Undefined&SucheNachRechtssatz=True&SucheNachText=True&GZ=&VonDatum=01.01.1990&BisDatum=&Norm=&ImRisSeitVonDatum=&ImRisSeitBisDatum=&ImRisSeit=Undefined&ResultPageSize=100&Suchworte=&Dokumentnummer=DSBT_20210215_2021_0_101_211_00).</ref> This category also may include data on special needs of students, since it qualifies as health data.<ref>Datatilsynet, 2 July 2020, 20/02191-1 KBK/- (available here https://www.datatilsynet.no/contentassets/9d5792264c884f3a903d3981c38812ac/~-20_02191-1-vedtak-om-overtredelsesgebyr---ralingen-kommune-202444_10_1.pdf). </ref>

===== Sex life and sexual orientation =====
The special protection afforded to personal data concerning sex life and sexual orientation essentially reflects the EU interest of fighting any sort of discrimination based on sex life and sexual orientation as clarified in Article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. This includes information relating to on heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality and trans-sexuality. Information about a gender change that has taken place or is intended as well as living in a registered civil partnership or in the future in a same-sex marriage. It protects information on sexual practices and other acts that reveal sexual orientation. Even the rejection of sexual practices may be considered sensitive data. <ref>''Petri,'' in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 23 (Beck, 1st ed. 2019) (accessed 4 January 2022).</ref>

====Legal Basis – Relation to [[Article 6 GDPR]]====
In accordance to Recital 51 GDPR, when processing data pursuant to Article 9 GDPR, not only conditions from such Article apply but the general principles and other rules of the GDPR shall be applied too. In particular, the conditions for lawful processing apply. Therefore, the processing of special categories of personal data cannot only be based on one of the exceptions and requirements from Article 9(2) and (3) GDPR, but also has to be based on a legal basis from [[Article 6 GDPR|Article 6(1) GDPR]].<ref>Expert Group Minutes 2016: Commission expert group on the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive (EU) 2016/680, 'Minutes of the Second Meeting', 10 October 2016, (available here https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/core/api/front/expertGroupAddtitionalInfo/27803/download and https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups/consult?do=groupDetail.groupDetail&groupID=3461). </ref> This also means that principles from [[Article 5 GDPR]] shall be applied when processing special categories of data.

=== (2) Exceptions ===
In accordance with Article 9(2) GDPR, special categories of data can only be processed when meeting one of the exceptions listed.

==== (a) Explicit Consent ====
The first exception, under letter (a), is obtaining the explicit consent of the data subject. As opposed to consent used as a legal basis from [[Article 6 GDPR|Article 6(1)(a) GDPR]], consent from Article 9 GDPR is a qualified type of consent that requires a higher level of precision and will from the data subject. Consent will need a clearly affirmative action separate from other transactions.<ref>''Bygravel, Tosoni'', in Kuner et al., The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Article 4 GDPR, p. 185 (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2020).</ref> Additionally, the data subject must give an express statement of consent.<ref>EDPB, Guidelines 05/2020 on consent under Regulation 2016/679, 4 May 2020, [https://edpb.europa.eu/sites/default/files/files/file1/edpb_guidelines_202005_consent_en.pdf p. 20].</ref> Also, consent will need to meet all the other requirements from [[Article 7 GDPR]].

For example, the Norwegian DPA has held that it is not possible to rely on this exception when consent is not valid under [[Article 6 GDPR|Article 6(1)(a) GDPR]].<ref>Datatilsynet, 26 January 2021, DT-20/02136 (available here https://www.datatilsynet.no/contentassets/da7652d0c072493c84a4c7af506cf293/advance-notification-of-an-administrative-fine.pdf). </ref>

==== (b) Necessary for the Purposes of Carrying Out Obligations and Exercising Specific Rights in the Field of Employment and Social Security Law ====
The second exception, under letter (b), is related to processing by employers that is necessary for the purposes of carrying out obligations and exercising specific rights of the controller or of the data subject in the field of employment and social security and social protection law. Such obligations and exercise of rights must be provided by law or by a collective agreement, and must provide for appropriate safeguards. Biometric and health data play an important role in this exception, and the necessity principle is key to avoid overuse.<ref>''Schiff'', in Ehmann, Selmayr, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 38-40 (Beck, 2nd edition 2018) (accessed 10 July 2021).</ref>

For example, the Dutch DPA has held that the processing of special categories of data – health data in this particular case – must be strictly necessary to achieve what is stated in the law; when the processing of certain categories of health data is not really necessary to comply with the legal obligation, the controller cannot rely on this exception for those categories.<ref>Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, 24 March 2020 (available here https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/sites/default/files/atoms/files/boete_cpa_verzuimregistratie.pdf). </ref>

==== (c) Vital for the Protection of the Vital Interests of the Data Subject or of Another Natural Person Where the Data Subject is Incapable of Giving Consent ====
Thirdly, and similarly to the legal basis from [[Article 6 GDPR|Article 6(d) GDPR]], Article 9(2) GDPR provides under letter (c) an exception to the processing of special categories of data when the processing is vital for the protection of the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person where the data subject is incapable of giving consent. As specified by Recital 46 GDPR, the processing shall take place only where the processing cannot be manifestly based on another legal basis; therefore, in order to use this exception, the data subject must be in a situation in which they are physically or legally unable to consent.

==== (d) In the Course of Legitimate Activities with Appropriate Safeguards by a Foundation, Association or any other Not-for-profit Body with a Political, Philosophical, Religious or Trade Union Aim ====
The fourth exception, under letter (d), is for the processing carried out in the course of its legitimate activities with appropriate safeguards by a foundation, association or any other not-for-profit body with a political, philosophical, religious or trade union aim. Such bodies shall only carry out the processing internally, and the processing shall relate to members or former members. The rationale behind this exception is that often such bodies are intrinsically related with personal data that fall under the categories of Article 9 GDPR.

==== (e) Related to Personal Data which are Manifestly Made Public by the Data Subject ====
The fifth exception, under letter (e), makes reference to data that is manifestly made public. The word “manifestly” implies that the data subject must affirmatively make public the data and be aware of the result of such publicity. The mere existence in public space does not fall under the term of publication in this sense.<ref>''Schiff'', in Ehmann, Selmayr, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 45-46 (Beck, 2nd edition 2018) (accessed 10 July 2021).</ref>

The Norwegian DPA has considered, for example, that making use of a gay dating app does not amount to manifestly making public data about sexual orientation, since the data is mainly only visible to other members of the LGTBQ community, as it is necessary to have an account too, an anonymous profile can be used and there is not a clear warning of the public nature of the information.<ref>Datatilsynet, 26 January 2021, DT-20/02136 (available here https://www.datatilsynet.no/contentassets/da7652d0c072493c84a4c7af506cf293/advance-notification-of-an-administrative-fine.pdf) with reference to EDPB, Guidelines 8/2020 on the targeting of social media users, 2 September 2020, [https://edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/guidelines/guidelines-82020-targeting-social-media-users_en p. 34-36].</ref>

==== (f) Necessary for the Establishment, Exercise or Defence of Legal Claims or Whenever Courts are Acting in their Judicial Capacity ====
The sixth exception, under letter (f), relates to legal claims and judicial activities, that in many cases require the processing of certainly sensitive data. While the concept of legal claims and judicial activities is to be interpreted broadly in order to include every type of legal claim, since the term is not further specified, the exception itself should be interpreted restrictively, meaning that it will only be applicable to legal claims or activities and to immediate preparatory acts.<ref>''Georgieval, Kuner'', in Kuner et al., The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Article 9 GDPR, p. 379 (Oxford University Press 2020). </ref>

==== (g) Necessary for Reasons of Substantial Public Interest, on the Basis of Union or Member State Law ====
The seventh exception, under letter (g), allows for the processing of special categories of data when there is a substantial public interest involved. The processing shall be carried out on the basis of Union or Member State law, and shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject. The law must satisfy the principle of certainty and define the necessary safeguards, and therefore the right must be itself enshrined in the law.<ref>CJEU, 17 October 2013, Schwarz, C‑291/12, margin number 55 (available here https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=143189&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=166148) with reference to ECHR, 4 December 2008, ''S. and Marper'', Applications nos. 30562/04 and 30566/04, § 103 (available here https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng#{%22fulltext%22:&#x5B;%22S.%20and%20Marper%22&#x5D;,%22documentcollectionid2%22:&#x5B;%22GRANDCHAMBER%22,%22CHAMBER%22&#x5D;,%22itemid%22:&#x5B;%22001-90051%22&#x5D;}).</ref> Recital 46 GDPR provides, as an example, "''processing that is necessary for humanitarian purposes, including for monitoring epidemics and their spread or in situations of humanitarian emergencies, in particular in situations of natural and man-made disasters''."

==== (h) Necessary for Medicinal Purposes or for the Management of Health Systems and Services ====
The eighth exception, under letter (h), includes the processing of data that is necessary for medicinal purposes and for the provision of health services. Medicinal purposes entail preventive or occupational medicine, the assessment of the working capacity of the employee, or medical diagnosis. The management of health systems includes the provision of health or social care or treatment and the management of health or social care systems and services.

The processing must be carried out on the basis of Union or Member State law or pursuant to contract with a health professional. Additionally, Article 9(3) GDPR establishes a supplementary condition: the data shall be processed by or under the responsibility of a professional subject to the obligation of professional secrecy.

==== (i) Necessary for Reasons of Public Interest in the Area of Public Health ====
The ninth exception, under letter (i), includes data processed for the public interest in the area of the public health. An example of such public interest can be processing of personal data with the aim of protecting against serious cross-border threats to health or ensuring high standards of quality and safety of health care and of medicinal products or medical devices. This must be done on the basis of Union or Member State law which provides for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the data subject, in particular professional secrecy.

These measures must be effective and must be provided by law. For example, the French Highest Administrative Court declared that a decree was unlawful due to the absence of sufficient guarantees to ensure that access to the processed health data did not exceed that which is strictly necessary for the exercise of the mission recognised by law.<ref>Conseil d’Etat, 25 November 2020, N° 428451 (available here https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/ceta/id/CETATEXT000042570046?tab_selection=cetat&searchField=ALL&query=428451&searchType=ALL&juridiction=TRIBUNAL_CONFLIT&juridiction=CONSEIL_ETAT&juridiction=COURS_APPEL&juridiction=TRIBUNAL_ADMINISTATIF&sortValue=DATE_DESC&pageSize=10&page=1&tab_selection=cetat#cetat).</ref>

==== (j) Necessary for Archiving Ourposes in the Public Interest, Scientific or Historical Research Purposes or Statistical Purposes ====
The last exception, under letter (j), includes processing that is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes. This shall be based on Union or Member State law and shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject.

For example, the Austrian DPA has held that labeling a person as "''extreme right-wing''" in a blog for the purpose of scientific research on the history of fascism and National Socialism, the resistance to the latter movements and on political manifestations of right-wing extremism, including the purpose of documentation and archiving, especially when such person has taken a basic political stance and repeatedly expressed this publicly, falls under this exception.<ref>Datenschutzbehörde, 22 January 2021, DSB-D124.1177/0006-DSB/2019 (available here https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokument.wxe?ResultFunctionToken=ade5bfc2-3a92-44cc-90b6-36c9132c2332&Position=1&Abfrage=Dsk&Entscheidungsart=Undefined&Organ=Undefined&SucheNachRechtssatz=True&SucheNachText=True&GZ=&VonDatum=01.01.1990&BisDatum=&Norm=&ImRisSeitVonDatum=&ImRisSeitBisDatum=&ImRisSeit=Undefined&ResultPageSize=100&Suchworte=&Dokumentnummer=DSBT_20210122_DSB_D124_1177_0006_DSB_2019_00 ). </ref>

=== (3) Professional Secrecy ===
Data processed for necessary for medicinal purposes or for the management of health systems and services, under the exception from Article 9(2)(h) GDPR, shall be processed by or under the responsibility of a professional subject to the obligation of professional secrecy.

The obligation of professional secrecy must be provided by national law and must be statutory. For example, the Swedish DPA has established that a confidentially contract cannot replace statutory professional secrecy, since confidentially obligations are not strong enough.<ref>Integritetsskyddsmyndigheten, 7 June 2021, DI-2019-3375 (available here https://www.imy.se/globalassets/dokument/beslut/2021/2021-06-07-beslut-medhelp.pdf). </ref>

=== (4) Opening Clause ===
According to Article 9(4) GDPR Member States may maintain or introduce further conditions, including limitations, with regard to the processing of genetic data, biometric data or data concerning health. Member States are not allowed to introduce additional legal bases and lower the level of protection for special categories of personal data.

For example, Germany has introduced rules regarding consent in a genetic examination or analysis,<ref>[https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gendg/__8.html § 8(1) GenDG] (German Genetic Diagnostics Act).</ref> protection for biometric data in passports and identity cards, that must be secured against unauthorized modification, deletion and readout,<ref>[https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pauswg/__5.html § 5(6) and (9) PAuswG] (German Passport and Identity Card Act).</ref> the processing of personal data of organ donors,<ref>[https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/tpg/__7.html § 7] and [https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/tpg/__14.html § 14 TPG] (German Organ Transplant Law).</ref> and on data protection in the public health insurance and related associations.<ref>[https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_5/__284.html § 284] and [https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_5/__285.html § 285 SGB V] (German Social Insurance Code V)</ref>
==Decisions==
→ You can find all related decisions in [[:Category:Article 9 GDPR]]

==References==
<references />

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