CIPP-E Question #137: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation
The correct answer is C. Because of the use of personal data outside of the social networking service (SNS).. The GDPR defines personal data as "any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person" (Article 4(1)). This includes names, quotations, and any other data that can be linked to a specific individual. The GDPR also requires that personal data be processed law
Question
SCENARIO Please use the following to answer the next question: Brady is a computer programmer based in New Zealand who has been running his own business for two years. Brady's business provides a low-cost suite of services to customers throughout the European Economic Area (EEA). The services are targeted towards new and aspiring small business owners. Brady's company, called Brady Box, provides web page design services, a Social Networking Service (SNS) and consulting services that help people manage their own online stores. Unfortunately, Brady has been receiving some complaints. A customer named Anna recently uploaded her plans for a new product onto Brady Box's chat area, which is open to public viewing. Although she realized her mistake two weeks later and removed the document, Anna is holding Brady Box responsible for not noticing the error through regular monitoring of the website. Brady believes he should not be held liable. Another customer, Felipe, was alarmed to discover that his personal information was transferred to a third- party contractor called Hermes Designs and worries that sensitive information regarding his business plans may be misused. Brady does not believe he violated European privacy rules. He provides a privacy notice to all of his customers explicitly stating that personal data may be transferred to specific third parties in fulfillment of a requested service. Felipe says he read the privacy notice but that it was long and complicated Brady continues to insist that Felipe has no need to be concerned, as he can personally vouch for the integrity of Hermes Designs. In fact, Hermes Designs has taken the initiative to create sample customized banner advertisements for customers like Felipe. Brady is happy to provide a link to the example banner ads, now posted on the Hermes Designs webpage. Hermes Designs plans on following up with direct marketing to these customers. Brady was surprised when another customer, Serge, expressed his dismay that a quotation by him is being used within a graphic collage on Brady Box's home webpage. The quotation is attributed to Serge by first and last name. Brady, however, was not worried about any sort of litigation. He wrote back to Serge to let him know that he found the quotation within Brady Box's Social Networking Service (SNS), as Serge himself had posted the quotation. In his response, Brady did offer to remove the quotation as a courtesy. Despite some customer complaints, Brady's business is flourishing. He even supplements his income through online behavioral advertising (OBA) via a third-party ad network with whom he has set clearly defined roles. Brady is pleased that, although some customers are not explicitly aware of the OBA, the advertisements contain useful products and services. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), what is the most likely reason Serge may have grounds to object to the use of his quotation?
Options
ABecause of the misrepresentation of personal data as an endorsement.
BBecause of the juxtaposition of the quotation with others' quotations.
CBecause of the use of personal data outside of the social networking service (SNS).
DBecause of the misapplication of the household exception in relation to a social networking
Explanation
The GDPR defines personal data as "any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person" (Article 4(1)). This includes names, quotations, and any other data that can be linked to a specific individual. The GDPR also requires that personal data be processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently, and that it be collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes (Article 5(1)). Furthermore, the GDPR grants data subjects the right to object to the processing of their personal data for direct marketing purposes or for the purposes of the legitimate interests of the controller or a third party (Article 21). In this scenario, Serge may have grounds to object to the use of his quotation on Brady Box's home webpage, as it constitutes the processing of his personal data outside of the original purpose for which it was collected. Serge posted the quotation on Brady Box's SNS, which is a separate service from Brady Box's web page design service. By using the quotation on the home webpage, Brady Box is processing Serge's personal data for a different purpose than the one for which Serge provided it, and without his consent or a legitimate interest. This may violate the principles of purpose limitation and lawfulness under the GDPR. Moreover, Serge may object to the use of his quotation as it implies his endorsement of Brady Box's service, which may affect his reputation or interests.