What constitutes valid consent in the context of the DPA?

Valid consent under the Data Privacy Act (DPA) is defined by a set of critical criteria that ensure individuals have control over their personal data. For consent to be considered valid, it must be specific, meaning it addresses particular data processing activities. It must also be informed, which implies that the individual understands what they are consenting to, including the purpose of data processing and any potential risks.

Furthermore, the consent must be unambiguous, leaving no doubt about the individual's agreement. This clarity is essential to prevent any misunderstanding regarding the scope of consent. Finally, consent must be freely given, meaning that it shouldn’t be obtained under pressure or coercion. This safeguard protects individuals from being manipulated into agreeing to data processing that they would not have accepted under normal circumstances.

The other options do not meet these criteria, as they either involve consent that lacks clarity, is obtained under pressure, or specifies an invalid format for consent.