The GDPR mentions in various provisions that the processing of personal data may lead to an increase in knowledge and understanding and that this must be taken into account as a public interest:

Rec. 113 (4) GDPR: “For scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes, the legitimate expectations of society for an increase of knowledge should be taken into consideration.”

 

Rec. 157 (1) GDPR: “By coupling information from registries, researchers can obtain new knowledge of great value with regard to widespread medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and depression.”

 

Rec. 157 (2) GDPR: “On the basis of registries, research results can be enhanced, as they draw on a larger population.”

 

Rec. 157 (3) GDPR: “Within social science, research on the basis of registries enables researchers to obtain essential knowledge about the long-term correlation of a number of social conditions such as unemployment and education with other life conditions.”

 

Rec. 157 (4) GDPR: “Research results obtained through registries provide solid, high-quality knowledge which can provide the basis for the formulation and implementation of knowledge-based policy, improve the quality of life for a number of people and improve the efficiency of social services.”