What is the role of a data processor?

The role of a data processor is specifically to handle personal data on behalf of the data controller, who is the individual or entity that determines the purposes for which and the means by which personal data is processed. This means that a data processor is involved in tasks such as collecting, storing, and organizing data as instructed by the data controller, ensuring that the data is processed according to the relevant regulations and the instructions provided.

The data processor does not make decisions regarding how the data is utilized; that responsibility belongs to the data controller. Furthermore, a data processor is not an agency that enforces regulations nor is it solely responsible for data transmission. Instead, it functions as a facilitator in the data processing chain, dedicated to managing the data in compliance with legal frameworks and the specific requirements outlined by the data controller. This distinction is critical in understanding the different roles involved in data governance and management within an organization.