What is a primary legal requirement in handling personal data?

The correct answer highlights a crucial aspect of managing personal data: organizations are required to comply with data protection laws. These laws are designed to safeguard individuals' privacy rights and govern how personal data can be collected, processed, and stored. Compliance with these laws requires organizations to implement appropriate measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, ensure that data is collected for legitimate purposes, and provide transparency regarding how data is used.

This legal framework is essential in fostering trust between individuals and organizations, as it assures individuals that their personal information will be managed responsibly and ethically. By adhering to these regulations, organizations avoid potential legal penalties and foster a culture of accountability and respect for personal data.

The other options do not align with the fundamental principles of data protection. Personal data cannot be collected freely without regard to legal stipulations. Data sharing typically requires the consent of the data subjects, and not all forms of consent must be written; verbal or implied consent can also be valid depending on the regulatory context.