How does the Data Privacy Act protect individuals from data discrimination?

The Data Privacy Act protects individuals from data discrimination primarily by ensuring that personal data is processed fairly. This means that organizations must handle personal data in a manner that respects the rights and freedoms of individuals, preventing any form of unfair treatment based on their data. Fair processing involves transparency about how data is collected, used, and shared, giving individuals a better understanding of how their data might affect them.

This provision helps to build trust between data subjects and data processors and aims to minimize the risks of discrimination. For instance, if an individual's personal data is processed in a biased or discriminatory way, that could lead to unjust treatment in various spheres of life, such as employment, credit, or access to services. By mandating fair processing, the Data Privacy Act acts as a safeguard against these practices, promoting equality and protecting individuals' rights in their interactions with data-driven systems.

The other options don't directly address the fundamental aspect of protecting against data discrimination. For example, selective data sharing can actually lead to exclusion or bias, while limiting data collection to government agencies may not ensure fairness in processing. Enforcing penalties on data subjects does not contribute to protecting individuals from discrimination based on their data. Thus, ensuring fair processing stands out as the most relevant protective measure in