Legitimate Interest Basis
Legitimate Interest Basis is a legal concept under data protection regulations, such as the GDPR, that allows organizations to process personal data without explicit consent if they have a legitimate reason that does not override the individual's rights and interests. It involves a balancing test to ensure the processing is necessary and proportionate for purposes like fraud prevention, network security, or direct marketing. This basis requires organizations to conduct a Legitimate Interest Assessment (LIA) to document and justify their data processing activities.
Developers should learn about Legitimate Interest Basis when building applications that handle personal data in regions with strict privacy laws like the EU, as it provides a flexible alternative to consent for data processing. It is particularly useful for scenarios where obtaining consent is impractical, such as for security measures, IT operations, or compliance with legal obligations, but requires careful implementation to avoid legal risks. Understanding this concept helps in designing systems that are both functional and compliant with data protection requirements.