Based on the scenario and the GDPR principles, the AI suggests that the suggested answer (D) is not the most accurate choice. The AI recommends answer A (As long as required by the company’s legitimate interests.) as the most appropriate answer.

Reasoning:
Data retention under GDPR must be limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which the data was collected. While a privacy policy is important, it cannot override the fundamental principles of data minimization and storage limitation outlined in Article 5(1)(e) of the GDPR. The data should be kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed.

In the context of employee monitoring, this means that Gentle Hedgehog can only store the monitoring data as long as it is required for their legitimate interests, such as ensuring productivity, preventing absenteeism, or maintaining customer service quality. This storage period must be proportionate to the purpose and should not infringe on the rights and freedoms of the employees. The legitimate interest must be clearly defined, and the retention period must be justified based on that interest. If the data is no longer needed for the specified purpose, it should be erased.

The EDPB guidelines and Article 29 Working Party opinions emphasize the principles of data minimization and storage limitation. While specific guidelines may offer recommendations, they do not dictate a fixed retention period. The GDPR places the responsibility on the data controller (Gentle Hedgehog) to determine the appropriate retention period based on their specific circumstances and a balancing of interests.

Reasons for not choosing other answers:

B: "As long as a concerned employee does not request erasure of the data" - This is incorrect because GDPR provides rights to individuals, but the organization still needs to define the data retention based on the purpose. Data should not be kept indefinitely just because an employee has not requested erasure. The company has a responsibility to define and justify the data retention period based on their processing activities.
C: "As long as provided by the EDPB guidelines for remote employee monitoring" - This is incorrect because EDPB guidelines provides general best practices. They are not legally binding rules that dictate specific retention periods. The organization is still responsible for defining the retention period based on the GDPR principles.
D: "As long as stated in the privacy policy that all employees must follow when processing personal data" - This is incorrect because a privacy policy informs data subjects about data processing activities, but it does not determine the lawful basis or duration of data retention. The privacy policy must align with the GDPR principles.

Ultimately, the storage duration must be justified, documented, and communicated to the employees, ensuring transparency and compliance with GDPR principles.

Citations:

GDPR Article 5(1)(e): Principles relating to processing of personal data, https://gdpr-info.eu/art-5-gdpr/
EDPB Guidelines, https://edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/guidelines_en