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Legal basis
Vital interests
Vital interests is a lawful basis that permits processing personal data when it is necessary to protect the life of the data subject or another person. This basis is narrow and should only be relied upon where consent cannot be obtained, such as in a medical emergency. It may also justify processing sensitive personal data in life-threatening situations.
DPA reference
Data Protection Act 2020
Related terms in Legal basis
Lawful basis
The legal ground that justifies the processing of personal data under the DPA 2020.
Legitimate interests
A lawful basis for processing where it is necessary for the controller's genuine interests and does not override individual rights.
Public task
A lawful basis for processing necessary to perform a task in the public interest or exercise official authority.
