Article 9 GDPR: Difference between revisions

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===== Trade union membership =====
===== Trade union membership =====
Expression of Article 28 of the EU Charter as well as any other relevant national laws and constitutional principle, 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. In includes any information which links a certain individual to their union membership,<ref>''Mester'', in Taeger, Gabel, DSGVO BDSG, Article 9, margin number 12, (Beck, 3rd edition 2019) (accessed 4 January 2021).</ref> such as video recording of a union's meeting or demonstration, copy of union's badge as well as any communication showing 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 =====
===== Genetic data =====
A definition of genetic data can be found in Article 4(13) GDPR.
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 =====
===== Biometric data =====
A definition of genetic data can be found in Article 4(14) GDPR. 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>
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 =====
===== 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 =====
===== 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>
 
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>
 
In the same sense, for example, data revealing racial data may include the shape of the face or eyes, and
 
The definitions for biometric and genetic data and data concerning health are provided by [[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4(13), (14) and (15) GDPR]]. Additionally, and in the same sense as before, these terms shall be interpreted broadly, so when genetic, biometric or health data can be inferred from other kind of data, it will be included in the protected special categories. For example, photographs can be considered biometric data when processed through a specific technical means allowing the unique identification or authentication of a natural person, as stated by Recital 51 GDPR.


====Legal Basis – Relation to [[Article 6 GDPR]]====
====Legal Basis – Relation to [[Article 6 GDPR]]====

Revision as of 15:56, 4 January 2022

Article 9: Processing of special categories
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Chapter 10: Delegated and implementing acts

Legal Text

Article 9: Processing of special categories of personal data

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.

2. Paragraph 1 shall not apply if one of the following applies:

(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;
(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;
(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;
(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;
(e) processing relates to personal data which are manifestly made public by the data subject;
(f) processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims or whenever courts are acting in their judicial capacity;
(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;
(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;
(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;
(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.

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.

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.

Relevant Recitals

Recital 10: Equivalent Level of Protection and Homogeneous Application
In order to ensure a consistent and high level of protection of natural persons and to remove the obstacles to flows of personal data within the Union, the level of protection of the rights and freedoms of natural persons with regard to the processing of such data should be equivalent in all Member States. Consistent and homogenous application of the rules for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data should be ensured throughout the Union. Regarding the processing of personal data for compliance with a legal obligation, for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller, Member States should be allowed to maintain or introduce national provisions to further specify the application of the rules of this Regulation. In conjunction with the general and horizontal law on data protection implementing Directive 95/46/EC, Member States have several sector-specific laws in areas that need more specific provisions. This Regulation also provides a margin of manoeuvre for Member States to specify its rules, including for the processing of special categories of personal data (‘sensitive data’). To that extent, this Regulation does not exclude Member State law that sets out the circumstances for specific processing situations, including determining more precisely the conditions under which the processing of personal data is lawful.

Recital 46: Vital Interest of a Natural Person
The processing of personal data should also be regarded to be lawful where it is necessary to protect an interest which is essential for the life of the data subject or that of another natural person. Processing of personal data based on the vital interest of another natural person should in principle take place only where the processing cannot be manifestly based on another legal basis. Some types of processing may serve both important grounds of public interest and the vital interests of the data subject as for instance when processing 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.

Recital 51: Protection of Sensitive Personal Data
Personal data which are, by their nature, particularly sensitive in relation to fundamental rights and freedoms merit specific protection as the context of their processing could create significant risks to the fundamental rights and freedoms. Those personal data should include personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, whereby 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. The processing of photographs should not systematically be considered to be processing of special categories of personal data as they are covered by the definition of biometric data only when processed through a specific technical means allowing the unique identification or authentication of a natural person. Such personal data should not be processed, unless processing is allowed in specific cases set out in this Regulation, taking into account that Member States law may lay down specific provisions on data protection in order to adapt the application of the rules of this Regulation for compliance with a legal obligation or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller. In addition to the specific requirements for such processing, the general principles and other rules of this Regulation should apply, in particular as regards the conditions for lawful processing. Derogations from the general prohibition for processing such special categories of personal data should be explicitly provided, inter alia, where the data subject gives his or her explicit consent or in respect of specific needs in particular where the processing is carried out in the course of legitimate activities by certain associations or foundations the purpose of which is to permit the exercise of fundamental freedoms.

Recital 52: Derogating from the Prohibition on Special Category Data Processing
Derogating from the prohibition on processing special categories of personal data should also be allowed when provided for in Union or Member State law and subject to suitable safeguards, so as to protect personal data and other fundamental rights, where it is in the public interest to do so, in particular processing personal data in the field of employment law, social protection law including pensions and for health security, monitoring and alert purposes, the prevention or control of communicable diseases and other serious threats to health. Such a derogation may be made for health purposes, including public health and the management of health-care services, especially in order to ensure the quality and cost-effectiveness of the procedures used for settling claims for benefits and services in the health insurance system, or for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes. A derogation should also allow the processing of such personal data where necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims, whether in court proceedings or in an administrative or out-of-court procedure.

Recital 53: Processing Special Category Data for Health-related Purposes
Special categories of personal data which merit higher protection should be processed for health-related purposes only where necessary to achieve those purposes for the benefit of natural persons and society as a whole, in particular in the context of the management of health or social care services and systems, including processing by the management and central national health authorities of such data for the purpose of quality control, management information and the general national and local supervision of the health or social care system, and ensuring continuity of health or social care and cross-border healthcare or health security, monitoring and alert purposes, or for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes, based on Union or Member State law which has to meet an objective of public interest, as well as for studies conducted in the public interest in the area of public health. Therefore, this Regulation should provide for harmonised conditions for the processing of special categories of personal data concerning health, in respect of specific needs, in particular where the processing of such data is carried out for certain health-related purposes by persons subject to a legal obligation of professional secrecy. Union or Member State law should provide for specific and suitable measures so as to protect the fundamental rights and the personal data of natural persons. Member States should be allowed to maintain or introduce further conditions, including limitations, with regard to the processing of genetic data, biometric data or data concerning health. However, this should not hamper the free flow of personal data within the Union when those conditions apply to cross-border processing of such data.

Recital 54: Processing of Health Data for Reasons of Public Interest
The processing of special categories of personal data may be necessary for reasons of public interest in the areas of public health without consent of the data subject. Such processing should be subject to suitable and specific measures so as to protect the rights and freedoms of natural persons. In that context, ‘public health’ should be interpreted as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1338/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, namely all elements related to health, namely health status, including morbidity and disability, the determinants having an effect on that health status, health care needs, resources allocated to health care, the provision of, and universal access to, health care as well as health care expenditure and financing, and the causes of mortality. Such processing of data concerning health for reasons of public interest should not result in personal data being processed for other purposes by third parties such as employers or insurance and banking companies.

Recital 55: Processing by Authorities to Achieve Aims of Religious Associations
Moreover, the processing of personal data by official authorities for the purpose of achieving the aims, laid down by constitutional law or by international public law, of officially recognised religious associations, is carried out on grounds of public interest.

Recital 56: Processing in the Course of Electoral Activities
Where in the course of electoral activities, the operation of the democratic system in a Member State requires that political parties compile personal data on people's political opinions, the processing of such data may be permitted for reasons of public interest, provided that appropriate safeguards are established.

Commentary

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 [1] 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[2] 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.[3]

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.[4] 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[5] 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.[6]

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[7] 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".[8] 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.[9]

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.[10] 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.[11]

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.[12] 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).[13]

Genetic data

A definition of genetic data can be found in 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(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.[14]

Health data

A definition of health data can be found in 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.[15] This category also may include data on special needs of students, since it qualifies as health data.[16]

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. [17]

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(1) GDPR.[18] 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(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.[19] Additionally, the data subject must give an express statement of consent.[20] 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(1)(a) GDPR.[21]

(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.[22]

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.[23]

(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(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.[24]

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.[25]

(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.[26]

(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.[27] 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.[28]

(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.[29]

(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.[30]

(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,[31] protection for biometric data in passports and identity cards, that must be secured against unauthorized modification, deletion and readout,[32] the processing of personal data of organ donors,[33] and on data protection in the public health insurance and related associations.[34]

Decisions

→ You can find all related decisions in Category:Article 9 GDPR

References

  1. 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).
  2. 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 here).
  3. 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, p. 6.
  4. Walker, in Kühling/Buchner, DS-GVO BDSG, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 26 (Beck 2020, 3rd ed.) (accessed 29 December 2021).
  5. WP29, Advice paper on special categories of data (“sensitive data”), 20 April 2011, p. 10.
  6. Walker, in Kühling/Buchner, DS-GVO BDSG, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 25 (Beck 2020, 3rd ed.) (accessed 29 December 2021).
  7. Walker, in Kühling/Buchner, DS-GVO BDSG, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 27 (Beck 2020, 3rd ed.) (accessed 29 December 2021).
  8. 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 here).
  9. See Ship, in Ehmann, Selmayr, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 19 (Beck, 2nd edition 2018) (accessed 29 December 2021).
  10. Ship, in Ehmann, Selmayr, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 19 (Beck, 2nd edition 2018) (accessed 29 December 2021).
  11. 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).
  12. Mester, in Taeger, Gabel, DSGVO BDSG, Article 9, margin number 12, (Beck, 3rd edition 2019) (accessed 4 January 2021).
  13. See, Petri, in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 22 (Beck, 1st ed. 2019) (accessed 4 January 2022).
  14. Petri, in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 14 (Beck, 1st ed. 2019) (accessed 4 January 2022).
  15. 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).
  16. 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).
  17. Petri, in Simitis, Hornung, Spiecker gen. Döhmann, Datenschutzrecht, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 23 (Beck, 1st ed. 2019) (accessed 4 January 2022).
  18. 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).
  19. Bygravel, Tosoni, in Kuner et al., The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Article 4 GDPR, p. 185 (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2020).
  20. EDPB, Guidelines 05/2020 on consent under Regulation 2016/679, 4 May 2020, p. 20.
  21. Datatilsynet, 26 January 2021, DT-20/02136 (available here https://www.datatilsynet.no/contentassets/da7652d0c072493c84a4c7af506cf293/advance-notification-of-an-administrative-fine.pdf).
  22. Schiff, in Ehmann, Selmayr, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 38-40 (Beck, 2nd edition 2018) (accessed 10 July 2021).
  23. Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, 24 March 2020 (available here https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/sites/default/files/atoms/files/boete_cpa_verzuimregistratie.pdf).
  24. Schiff, in Ehmann, Selmayr, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung, Article 9 GDPR, margin number 45-46 (Beck, 2nd edition 2018) (accessed 10 July 2021).
  25. 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, p. 34-36.
  26. Georgieval, Kuner, in Kuner et al., The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Article 9 GDPR, p. 379 (Oxford University Press 2020).
  27. 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:%5B%22S.%20and%20Marper%22%5D,%22documentcollectionid2%22:%5B%22GRANDCHAMBER%22,%22CHAMBER%22%5D,%22itemid%22:%5B%22001-90051%22%5D}).
  28. 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).
  29. 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 ).
  30. Integritetsskyddsmyndigheten, 7 June 2021, DI-2019-3375 (available here https://www.imy.se/globalassets/dokument/beslut/2021/2021-06-07-beslut-medhelp.pdf).
  31. § 8(1) GenDG (German Genetic Diagnostics Act).
  32. § 5(6) and (9) PAuswG (German Passport and Identity Card Act).
  33. § 7 and § 14 TPG (German Organ Transplant Law).
  34. § 284 and § 285 SGB V (German Social Insurance Code V)