# GDPR Article 6 — Lawfulness of processing

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/a_gen_gdpr_article6_0e6a6b209e-gdpr-article-6-lawfulness-of-processing
- 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 6 · Priority: critical · Component: Chapter II: Principles

### What this control covers

Ensures personal data processing is lawful based on consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public task, or legitimate interests, with safeguards for further processing. This control addresses Lawful Processing.

### 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.

Signed policy or standard documents the safeguard. Focus: Lawfulness of processing.

### Quick checklist

-   Principles — Consent
-   Lawfulness — Consent
-   Data — Consent
-   Safeguards — Consent

### Related articles on this site

-   [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)
-   [Ensure Lambda functions have resource-based policy set as Public](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229620-ensure-lambda-functions-have-resource-based-policy-set-as-public)
-   [Ensure Lambda functions have resource-based policy set as Public.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000233717-ensure-lambda-functions-have-resource-based-policy-set-as-public-)
-   [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)

## 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.