Data Protection that children would understand

Despite the publicity, there still seems to be mystique and misunderstanding about the Data Protection rules (GDPR) yet the principles are very simple. So simple in fact that you could explain them to a child. I recently came across this brilliant analogy to help see through the original terminology (which can be off-putting) to the seven key principles in Article 5 of the GDPR which guide data protection:

IF YOU BORROW TOYS (PERSONAL INFORMATION) YOU MUST PLAY NICELY WITH THEM AND NOT HIDE THEM.

“(a) processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to individuals (‘lawfulness, fairness and transparency’);

IF YOU BORROW TOYS IT IS OK TO PLAY WITH THEM BUT YOU MUSTN’T DO ANYTHING ELSE WITH THEM.

(b) collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes; further processing for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes shall not be considered to be incompatible with the initial purposes (‘purpose limitation’);

YOU CAN ONLY BORROW ENOUGH TOYS TO PLAY WITH IN THE GAME YOU WANTED THEM FOR.

(c) adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed (‘data minimisation’);

ANY TOYS YOU BORROW HAVE TO BE LOOKED AFTER AND KEPT IN VERY GOOD CONDITION.

(d) accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date; every reasonable step must be taken to ensure that personal data that are inaccurate, having regard to the purposes for which they are processed, are erased or rectified without delay (‘accuracy’);

YOU CAN ONLY BORROW TOYS FOR AS LONG AS YOU ARE PLAYING WITH THEM. YOU CAN’T KEEP THEM IN YOUR CUPBOARD WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED YOUR GAME

(e) kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed; personal data may be stored for longer periods insofar as the personal data will be processed solely for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes subject to implementation of the appropriate technical and organisational measures required by the GDPR in order to safeguard the rights and freedoms of individuals (‘storage limitation’);

YOU MUST LOOK AFTER ANY TOYS YOU BORROW AND DON’T LOSE THEM, BREAK THEM OR LET ANYONE ELSE HAVE THEM.

(f) processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organisational measures (‘integrity and confidentiality’).”

It’s all common sense!