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Lawful Basis
Law
Legal ground that justifies processing (e.g., consent, contract, legal obligation).
Definition
A lawful basis is a legally recognized ground for processing personal data (such as consent, performance of a contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public task, or legitimate interests—depending on jurisdiction).
In plain English
Legal ground that justifies processing (e.g., consent, contract, legal obligation).
Why this matters
Why it matters: The chosen basis affects rights, notice requirements, and how easily you can object.
Example
Example: Using “legitimate interests” requires documenting balancing tests and offering opt-outs where appropriate.