What is one of the key responsibilities under GDPR accountability?

Transparency in data usage is indeed a key responsibility under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) accountability framework. This principle mandates that organizations must be open about how they process personal data. This includes informing individuals about the types of data being collected, the purposes for which their data is being used, how long it will be retained, and with whom it may be shared. Transparency is essential because it empowers individuals to understand and control their personal information.

By ensuring transparency, organizations not only comply with legal obligations but also foster trust among users. When individuals are adequately informed about their data, they are more likely to provide their consent and engage positively with the organization.

The other options, while relevant to data protection practices, do not encapsulate the core essence of accountability in the same way. Compliance audits, for example, focus on internal checks but do not inherently promote transparency to the data subjects. Restricting staff access and having limited data collection periods are important practices but serve more as protective measures rather than embracing the principle of transparency that is foundational under GDPR.