Asking chat gpt, so take it with a bit of salt, but it's usually correct about these things.

In the context of data protection and GDPR, "processing" refers to any operation or set of operations performed on personal data. This includes collecting, recording, organizing, storing, adapting, altering, retrieving, using, disclosing, transmitting, and deleting personal data.

Processing can be done both manually and automatically. It covers a wide range of activities related to personal data, such as capturing information through web forms, analyzing data for marketing purposes, storing customer records in a database, or even just viewing or accessing personal data.

Under GDPR, any entity or individual involved in processing personal data is required to comply with the regulation's principles and obligations to protect the rights and privacy of the individuals whose data is being processed.