OneTrust Certified Privacy Professional Practice Exam

Is a Processor required to notify data subjects of a breach without undue delay?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if it’s a serious breach

4. Depends on local laws

The correct answer is: True

A Processor is indeed required to notify data subjects of a breach without undue delay, which aligns with the requirements established by data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR mandates that any organization handling personal data must inform affected individuals promptly after becoming aware of a data breach that poses a risk to their rights and freedoms. The reasoning stems from the principle that transparency is crucial in data protection. When a data subject’s personal information is compromised, they have the right to know so they can take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential harm, such as identity theft or fraud. The focus on "undue delay" emphasizes the importance of timely communication, allowing individuals to respond swiftly to the breach. Other options present scenarios that misinterpret or limit the responsibilities of the Processor. For example, stating that notification is only required in the case of a serious breach does not capture the full obligation of informing all affected parties once a breach occurs, regardless of its severity. Additionally, suggesting that it depends on local laws complicates the matter, as while local laws may provide additional requirements, the overarching principle under GDPR is that notification must happen without undue delay irrespective of local variations.