# GDPR Article 9 — Processing of special categories of personal data

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/a_gen_gdpr_article9_60162e8393-gdpr-article-9-processing-of-special-categories-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 9 · Priority: critical · Component: Chapter II: Principles

### What this control covers

Prohibits processing special categories of personal data (e.g., racial, health, biometric) unless based on explicit consent, legal obligations, vital interests, or public interest with safeguards. This control addresses Data Classification.

### 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: Processing of special categories of personal data.

### Quick checklist

-   Principles — Consent / Legal Obligations
-   Data — Consent / Legal Obligations
-   Safeguards — Consent / Legal Obligations
-   Obligations — Consent / Legal Obligations

### Related articles on this site

-   [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)
-   [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.