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ARTICLE · 10 DECEMBER 2025

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What Are The Seven Core Data Protection Principles And How Should Businesses Implement Them?

Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG
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Data protection is a strategic priority for every organisation operating in the UK and beyond. The seven core data protection principles form the backbone of compliance with the UK...

United KingdomPrivacy
Jocelyn S. Paulley
Jocelyn S. Paulley
Loretta Pugh
Loretta Pugh
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Data protection is a strategic priority for every organisation operating in the UK and beyond. The seven core data protection principles form the backbone of compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), and understanding and implementing these principles is essential.

These principles are not just legal requirements - they are practical tools for building trust, safeguarding reputation and ensuring operational resilience in a data-driven world.

Below, we explore each principle, translating legal requirements into practical steps for businesses.

  1. Lawfulness, fairness and transparency
  2. Purpose limitation
  3. Data minimisation

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