Final answer:
Processing personal data lawfully means handling personal information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This involves obtaining consent, ensuring data accuracy, and maintaining confidentiality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Processing personal data lawfully means handling personal information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This includes obtaining the necessary consent from individuals, ensuring the data is collected for specific and legitimate purposes, and maintaining the accuracy and confidentiality of the data.
For example, under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) implemented in the European Union, companies are required to have a lawful basis for processing personal data, such as the consent of the individual, the necessity of processing for a contract, compliance with a legal obligation, protection of vital interests, performance of a task carried out in the public interest, or legitimate interests pursued by the data controller.
By following these legal requirements, organizations can ensure that they are processing personal data in a lawful and ethical manner, protecting the privacy and rights of individuals.