What informs an individual that their personal information is being collected?

The concept of notice is crucial in the context of personal information collection as it serves to inform individuals that their personal data is being gathered. Notice typically encompasses a clear communication to individuals about the collection, the purpose of data processing, and any potential sharing with third parties. This informs users about what data is being collected, how it will be used, and their rights regarding their personal information. In many privacy regulations, providing notice is a legal requirement, ensuring transparency and enabling individuals to make informed decisions regarding their data.

While consent pertains to the requirement for explicit permission from the individual before their data is collected, it is often provided after notice has been given. A privacy policy, although related and informative, is a broader document outlining an organization’s data practices, rather than a specific alert about the collection of personal information. Disclosure typically relates to revealing or making information available to others, rather than solely informing individuals about their own data being collected. Therefore, the primary vehicle through which individuals are made aware of data collection is through notice, making it the correct answer.