Providing Indirect Collection Information

Overview

GDPR Article 14 applies when a controller obtains personal data from a source other than the data subject — such as from third-party data brokers, publicly available sources, other controllers, or through automated observation by third parties. The controller must still provide the data subject with comprehensive information about the processing, but the timing and content requirements differ from Art. 13.

Legal Foundation

GDPR Article 14 — Information Where Personal Data Have Not Been Obtained from the Data Subject

Required Information (Art. 14(1)-(2))

All elements required under Art. 13(1)(a)-(f) and Art. 13(2)(a)-(g) PLUS:

Element	Article	Description
Categories of personal data	Art. 14(1)(d)	The categories of personal data concerned (not required under Art. 13 because the subject already knows what they provided)
Source of data	Art. 14(2)(f)	From which source the personal data originate, and if applicable, whether it came from publicly accessible sources

Timing Requirements (Art. 14(3))

The controller must provide the information:

1. Art. 14(3)(a) — Default: Within a reasonable period after obtaining the personal data, but at the latest within one month, having regard to the specific circumstances in which the personal data are processed.
2. Art. 14(3)(b) — Communication with data subject: If the personal data are to be used for communication with the data subject, at the latest at the time of the first communication to that data subject.
3. Art. 14(3)(c) — Disclosure to another recipient: If a disclosure to another recipient is envisaged, at the latest when the personal data are first disclosed.

The earliest applicable deadline governs.

Exemptions Under Art. 14(5)

Art. 14(1)-(4) shall not apply where and insofar as:

1. Art. 14(5)(a) — Data subject already has the information: The data subject already has the information.
2. Art. 14(5)(b) — Impossible or disproportionate effort: The provision of such information proves impossible or would involve a disproportionate effort, in particular for processing for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research, or statistical purposes under Art. 89(1). In such cases, the controller must take appropriate measures to protect the data subject's rights and freedoms, including making the information publicly available.
3. Art. 14(5)(c) — Union or Member State law: Obtaining or disclosure is expressly laid down by Union or Member State law which provides appropriate measures to protect the data subject's legitimate interests.
4. Art. 14(5)(d) — Professional secrecy: The personal data must remain confidential subject to an obligation of professional secrecy regulated by Union or Member State law, including a statutory obligation of secrecy.

Common Indirect Collection Scenarios at Meridian Analytics Ltd

Scenario	Data Source	Categories	Timing Obligation
Client employee data received from employer client	Employer (another controller)	Name, email, job title, access permissions	Within 1 month of receipt, or at first communication
Companies House / public registry data	Publicly accessible source	Director names, registered address, filing history	Within 1 month; note public source in notice
Credit reference agency data	Credit reference agency (Experian, Equifax)	Credit score, payment history, financial indicators	At first communication or within 1 month
Referral from existing client	Existing client	Name, email, company	At first communication with referred person
Data enrichment from third-party provider	Data enrichment provider	Firmographic data, industry classification	Within 1 month of enrichment

Indirect Collection Information Workflow

Step 1: Identify Indirect Data Acquisition

1. Map all sources of personal data that are not the data subjects themselves.
2. For each source, document:
   • Source identity and type (controller, publicly accessible, data broker)
   • Categories of personal data received
   • Legal basis for receiving the data
   • Date of receipt
   • Purpose of processing

Step 2: Determine the Timing Obligation

Apply the earliest applicable deadline from Art. 14(3)(a)-(c):

[Data Received from Third Party]
         │
         ▼
[Will data be used to contact the subject?]
   ├── Yes ──► Notify at or before first communication
   └── No ──► [Will data be disclosed to another recipient?]
               ├── Yes ──► Notify before or at disclosure
               └── No ──► Notify within reasonable period (max 1 month)

Step 3: Prepare the Art. 14 Notice

The notice must contain all elements specified in Art. 14(1) and (2). Use the following structure:

1. Controller identity: Meridian Analytics Ltd, 47 Canary Wharf Tower, London E14 5AB
2. DPO contact: Dr Sarah Chen, dpo@meridiananalytics.co.uk
3. Purposes and legal basis: State each purpose and its legal basis
4. Categories of personal data: List the categories obtained (since the subject did not provide them directly)
5. Recipients: Identify recipients or categories
6. International transfers: Describe any transfers and safeguards
7. Retention period: State period or criteria
8. Data subject rights: List all applicable rights
9. Right to withdraw consent: If applicable
10. Right to complain: ICO details
11. Source of data: Identify the source and whether it is publicly accessible
12. Automated decision-making: If applicable
13. Further processing: If applicable

Step 4: Assess Exemptions

Before deciding not to provide Art. 14 information, assess each exemption strictly:

Exemption	Assessment	Documentation Required
Art. 14(5)(a) — Already has info	Verify the subject has received materially equivalent information from another source	Record the source and date of prior information
Art. 14(5)(b) — Impossible/disproportionate effort	Conduct and document proportionality assessment considering: number of data subjects, age of data, compensatory measures available	Written proportionality assessment, approved by DPO, with compensatory measures (e.g., publish information on website)
Art. 14(5)(c) — Law requires acquisition	Identify the specific legal provision	Citation of the provision
Art. 14(5)(d) — Professional secrecy	Identify the statutory obligation of secrecy	Citation of the provision

The EDPB Guidelines on Transparency (WP260 rev.01) state that the Art. 14(5)(b) exemption should be interpreted restrictively and that the mere inconvenience or cost of providing information is not sufficient to constitute "disproportionate effort."

Step 5: Deliver the Notice

1. Email: If the subject's email address is available, send the Art. 14 notice by email.
2. Postal mail: If only a postal address is available, send by first-class post.
3. Combined with first communication: Where the first communication is an email or letter, include the Art. 14 information in or with that communication.
4. Published notice: Where the Art. 14(5)(b) exemption applies and compensatory measures are required, publish the information on the controller's website.

Step 6: Document and Record

1. Record the date of each Art. 14 notification.
2. Record the method of delivery.
3. Record any exemption relied upon and its justification.
4. Retain the record for 3 years.