What does 'data subject' refer to?

The term 'data subject' specifically refers to an individual whose personal data is being processed by an organization. This concept is central to various data protection laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In these legal frameworks, data subjects have specific rights regarding their personal information, such as the right to access, rectify, and erase their data.

Understanding the role of the data subject is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of protecting personal information and ensuring that data processing activities are conducted transparently and with the consent of the individual involved. This highlights the individual's autonomy and control over their data, which is a fundamental principle in privacy law.

Other options do not align with the definition of 'data subject.' A corporation that processes data is more accurately described as a data controller or processor. A regulatory body overseeing data protection is a governmental or authoritative entity, not a data subject. Lastly, a tool used for data management refers to the technological aspect of data handling rather than the individual whose data is being processed. Therefore, the definition provided aligns perfectly with legal terminology regarding data privacy and protection.