CIPP/E Study Guide
Ch 9.3–9.4 - Transparency & information

Transparent communication and the right to information

Transparency underpins the whole system: individuals cannot protect their privacy if they are not properly informed. Article 12(1) requires information to be concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible, using clear and plain language. The right to information (Article 13 for data collected directly, Article 14 for data obtained from third parties) entitles data subjects to be told the controller's identity, purposes, legal basis, recipients and - under Article 14 - the source of the data.

Transparency is fundamental - privacy cannot be assured if people are not informed about controllers' activities. Article 12(1) demands communication in a concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language.

Article 13 vs Article 14
Article 13Article 14
TriggerData collected directly from the data subjectData obtained from a third party / other source
Distinctive extra-Must identify the source of the data
GoalDescribe the relationship with the controllerEnable the data subject to pursue their rights

Key terms - quick answers

What is “Article 13”?
Information that must be provided when personal data are collected directly from the data subject.
What is “Article 14”?
Information that must be provided when personal data are obtained from a source other than the data subject, including the source itself.
What is “Clear and plain language”?
The Article 12(1) standard: concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible communication.