Data protection terminology

The icon features an open palm holding a rectangle, which represents personal data, with a symbol depicting a person in the centre. The icon is surrounded by a light green frame. This icon can be used to express that the situation involves the controller's obligations related to the processing of personal data.

The icon features a rectangle representing personal data, with a plus sign in the bottom right corner. The icon is surrounded by a light green frame. The icon can be used to indicate that the instructions concern the processing of personal data concerning the data subject.

A controller is a person, company or association that decides how and for what purposes your personal data is processed. A hobby club can be a controller, for example. If you play ice hockey, your club is probably a controller, because it has information about you, such as your name and maybe your contact details.

You yourself are called a data subject. In your hobby, you are a data subject whose personal data is processed by the hobby organiser, such as your sports club.

Term bank on this website explains the key terms related to data protection.

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Example

Your club decides that it will ask all players to give their contact details so that the coach can contact them about training schedules. The players are asked to fill in their names, home addresses and telephone numbers on a form. The club is a controller, because it decides why and how the personal data is collected.