According to the DSCI Privacy Framework and international standards like GDPR and APEC:
"Processing" refers to any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. This includes:
* Collection, recording, organization, structuring
* Storage, adaptation or alteration
* Retrieval, consultation, use
* Disclosure by transmission, dissemination
* Alignment, combination, restriction, erasure or destruction
Hence, "processing" is indeed a blanket term encompassing a broad spectrum of actions involving personal data.