# GDPR Article 5 — Principles relating to processing of personal data

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/a_gen_gdpr_article5_4037ab3320-gdpr-article-5-principles-relating-to-processing-of-personal-data
- Section: [Solutions](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions) › [GDPR](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/62000112722) › [Chapter II: Principles](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/folders/gdpr-chapter-2-principles)
- Last updated: 2026-07-11
- Publisher: iCompaas, Inc. (https://www.icompaas.com)

GDPR · Control Article 5 · Priority: critical · Component: Chapter II: Principles

### What this control covers

Ensures personal data is processed lawfully, fairly, transparently, with purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity, confidentiality, and accountability. This control addresses Data Governance.

### Why it matters

Risk is the language an executive team understands; this control connects technical reality to board-level decisions and budget allocation.

### How to implement

#### AWS

Codify the policy intent as **SCPs, AWS Config conformance packs, and Security Hub standards** so the cloud enforces what the document says.

#### Azure

Codify in **Azure Policy initiatives** (built-in regulatory compliance for CIS, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA) and assign at management-group level.

#### Google Workspace

Use **Data Export** (Takeout-style) and **Vault search** to scope DSARs. Apply **Drive labels + DLP** so personal data classes are discoverable.

#### On-premises

Maintain a policy library with a documented review cadence (annual minimum); store in your GRC tool with attestation tracking. Map each policy to controls so an audit pull cites the exact policy clause.

### Evidence to collect

-   `policy_document` — A signed, version-controlled policy stating leadership intent and the named owner.
-   `infra_scan` — See the iCompaas Evidence library for the canonical source for this evidence type.

Signed policy or standard documents the safeguard. Focus: Principles relating to processing of personal data.

### Quick checklist

-   Principles — Purpose Limitation / Principles Relating To Processing Of Personal Data
-   Data — Purpose Limitation / Principles Relating To Processing Of Personal Data
-   Confidentiality — Purpose Limitation / Principles Relating To Processing Of Personal Data

### Related articles on this site

-   [GDPR Article 5: Principles Relating to Processing of Personal Data](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000236285-gdpr-article-5-principles-relating-to-processing-of-personal-data)
-   [GDPR Article 10: Processing of Personal Data Relating to Criminal Convictions and Offences](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000236353-gdpr-article-10-processing-of-personal-data-relating-to-criminal-convictions-and-offences)
-   [GDPR Article 9: Processing of Special Categories of Personal Data](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000236352-gdpr-article-9-processing-of-special-categories-of-personal-data)
-   [GDPR Article 19: Notification Obligation Regarding Rectification or Erasure of Personal Data or Restriction of Processing](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000236364-gdpr-article-19-notification-obligation-regarding-rectification-or-erasure-of-personal-data-or-restr)

## Related compliance guidance

- [GDPR compliance: a practical implementation guide for cloud-native SaaS teams](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/gdpr): How the Regulation fits together as a programme — lawful bases, Article 28/30/32/33 obligations, transfers and the DPIA process.
- [India's DPDP Act 2023: a practical compliance guide for cloud teams](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/india-dpdp-act-2023): If you also serve users in India, the DPDP Act borrows GDPR concepts but differs on consent, breach reporting and transfers.
