CIPP-E Premium Exam Questions

 The ePrivacy Directive (ePD) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are two EU laws that regulate different aspects of personal data processing. The ePD focuses on electronic communications and the use of cookies and similar technologies, while the GDPR covers the broader principles and rights of data protection. Both laws apply to any organization that processes personal data of individuals in the EU, regardless of where the organization is located.

Option D involves both electronic communication and personal data processing, and therefore requires compliance with both ePD and GDPR. Paying a search engine company to give prominence to certain products and services within specific search results implies the use of cookies or similar technologies to track the online behavior of users and target them with personalized ads. This requires the consent of the users under the ePD, as well as the provision of clear and comprehensive information about the purpose and scope of the data processing. Moreover, the organization must comply with the GDPR requirements for data protection by design and by default, data minimization, data security, data subject rights, and accountability.

Option A only involves the use of cookies or similar technologies, and therefore only requires compliance with the ePD. Creating an untargeted pop-up ad on a website does not involve the processing of personal data, as the ad is not based on the online behavior or preferences of the users. However, the organization must still obtain the consent of the users for the use of cookies or similar technologies, and provide them with clear and comprehensive information about the purpose and scope of the data processing.

Option B only involves the processing of personal data, and therefore only requires compliance with the GDPR. Calling a potential customer to notify her of an upcoming product sale involves the collection and use of the customer’s personal data, such as name, phone number, and purchase history. The organization must have a lawful basis for the data processing, such as consent, contract, or legitimate interest, and must respect the data subject rights, such as the right to object, the right to access, and the right to erasure.

Option C only involves the processing of personal data, and therefore only requires compliance with the GDPR. Emailing a customer to announce that his recent order should arrive earlier than expected involves the use of the customer’s personal data, such as name, email address, and order details. The organization must have a lawful basis for the data processing, such as consent, contract, or legitimate interest, and must respect the data subject rights, such as the right to object, the right to access, and the right to erasure. References:

• Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 15, section 2.3.3
• CIPP/E Certification, page 10, section 1.1.2
• Cipp-e Study guides, Class notes & Summaries, document “CIPP/E Exam Summary 2023”, page 42, section 2.3.3
• ePrivacy: The EU’s other data protection rule
• The New Rules of Data Privacy
• A guide to GDPR data privacy requirements
• A guide to the data protection principles

 According to the ICO guidance on the use of cookies and similar technologies1, browser settings and other control mechanisms can be relied upon for the lawful application of cookies only if they meet the following conditions:

• They are designed to protect users’ privacy and provide them with control over the use of cookies and similar technologies;
• They are prominent and easy to use, and do not require users to take unnecessary steps or provide unnecessary information;
• They are specific and granular enough to allow users to express their preferences for different types and purposes of cookies and similar technologies;
• They are sufficiently informed and clear about the cookies and similar technologies that will be set or accessed, and the purposes for which they will be used;
• They are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in the cookies and similar technologies that are used or the purposes for which they are used;
• They are not overridden or circumvented by other software or settings that may interfere with users’ choices;
• They provide an effective means of withdrawing consent at any time.

Therefore, browser settings and other control mechanisms can be a valid way of obtaining consent for cookies and similar technologies, but only if they meet these high standards and ensure that users have a real and meaningful choice over the use of cookies and similar technologies on their devices. References: 1 How do we comply with the cookie rules? | ICO. Available at: 4 (Accessed: 11 December 2023).

 According to GDPR Article 4(22), a supervisory authority is concerned by the processing of personal data if the data subjects residing in its member state are substantially affected or likely to be substantially affected by the processing, or if a complaint has been lodged with it. This concept is mainly introduced to ensure that the rights and interests of data subjects are protected by the supervisory authorities that are closest to them, regardless of where the controller or processor is established or where the lead supervisory authority is located. The concerned supervisory authorities have the right to participate in the one-stop-shop and consistency mechanisms, and to express their views and objections on the draft decisions of the lead supervisory authority. They also have the duty to cooperate and assist each other in the performance of their tasks. References: GDPR Article 4(22), GDPR Article 60, GDPR Article 63, The role of the ’supervisory authority concerned’ (Chapter 3.1 …

According to Article 28(3)(f) of the GDPR, the written agreement between the controller and the processor must include an obligation on the processor to assist the controller in ensuring compliance with the controller’s obligations pursuant to Articles 32 to 36 of the GDPR. These obligations include notifying the supervisory authority and the data subjects about personal data breaches, as well as conducting data protection impact assessments and consulting with the supervisory authority when required. The processor must assist the controller by taking appropriate technical and organisational measures, insofar as this is possible, and considering the nature of the processing and the information available to the processor. References:

• GDPR Article 28(3)(f)
• CIPP/E Textbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.2.2, page 154
• Free CIPP/E Study Guide, page 18