Data Processor

A data processor is an entity that processes personal data for a data controller, following the controller's instructions. Data processors can be individuals, businesses, public authorities, or legal entities.

Here are some responsibilities of a data processor:

Data security

Data processors must ensure that the data is secure and confidential.

Compliance

Data processors must ensure their processing complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Data subject rights

Data processors must ensure that the rights of data subjects are protected.

Data processor agreement

Data processors must enter into a data processor agreement with the data controller.

Data processors can include:

Calculators

Computers

Cloud service providers

Third-party companies, such as payroll or email marketing companies

Call centers

Data processors are different from data controllers, who decide how and why to collect and process data. Data processors are contractually bound to follow the instructions of the data controller.

 Data Controller

A data controller is a person or entity that determines how and why personal data is processed. They are responsible for the lawfulness of the processing, protecting the data, and respecting the data subject's rights.

Some of the responsibilities of a data controller include:

Deciding how to collect, store, use, alter, and disclose personal data

Providing information to data subjects

Ensuring there is a legitimate basis for processing activities

Giving effect to data subjects' rights under the GDPR

Ensuring that there is appropriate security for data processed

A data controller can be a legal person, such as a business, public authority, agency, or other body. In some cases, EU or Member State law may determine the controller and the purposes and means of processing personal data.

A data controller may delegate the processing to another party, called the data processor. For example, if a gym hires a printing company to produce invitations for a promotional event, the gym controls the personal information, and the printing company is the data processor.