Who is a data subject?

The correct choice identifies a data subject as an individual to whom personal data relates. This definition is rooted in data protection laws, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which emphasizes that data subjects are natural persons whose personal data is collected, held, or processed by a data controller or processor. This means that the data subject has rights regarding their personal data, including the right to access, correct, and request the deletion of their information.

In contrast, the other options refer to different roles within the data management ecosystem. For instance, those who process data (like data processors) do not have the same rights as data subjects; their role is to handle data on behalf of the data controllers. Meanwhile, entities that determine the purposes of data processing (data controllers) are responsible for the data's use but are not the subjects themselves. Lastly, a company handling personal data is typically considered a data controller or processor but does not fit the definition of a data subject, which is specifically focused on individuals. Understanding the distinction between these roles is crucial for comprehending the rights of individuals in relation to data privacy and protection.