What does "data subject" refer to in privacy laws?

In privacy laws, "data subject" specifically refers to the individual to whom the personal data pertains. This concept is critical because it establishes the relationship between individuals and their personal information. A data subject has certain rights regarding their personal data, such as the right to access, correct, or delete their information, depending on the specific privacy regulation in place (like GDPR or CCPA).

Understanding the role of the data subject is essential for compliance, as organizations must prioritize the protection of individuals' information and ensure that their rights are respected. This focus on the individual helps safeguard privacy in an increasingly data-driven world.

The other options present different roles in the data processing ecosystem, such as the entity that collects data or the organization responsible for processing it, but they do not capture the definition of a data subject, which specifically pertains to the individual whose personal information is collected and processed.