Which principle ensures that personal data is used only for specified, legitimate purposes?

The principle that ensures personal data is used only for specified, legitimate purposes is purpose limitation. This principle is essential in data protection regulations, emphasizing that data should only be collected and used for clear and defined objectives. It protects individuals by ensuring that their personal information is not misused or processed in a manner that is incompatible with the original purpose for which it was collected.

Purpose limitation not only promotes transparency but also instills trust among individuals regarding how their personal information will be treated. This principle is part of broader data privacy frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, which governs the handling of personal data.

Other principles, while important in the context of data protection, focus on different aspects. Adequacy and relevance pertain to ensuring that only the necessary personal data is collected. Storage limitation is concerned with how long personal data can be retained. Integrity and confidentiality emphasize the importance of ensuring that personal data is processed securely and protected against breaches. However, none of these directly ensure that data is used strictly for legitimate and specified purposes as the purpose limitation does.