What Is the Difference Between a Controller and Processor Under the GDPR?

Depending on your business model, you may need to comply with the European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR applies both to businesses within the EU and to some in Australia. If the GDPR covers your business, you will need to determine whether you are a “controller” or a “processor” of personal information, or both. Depending on whether you are a controller or processor will determine what your obligations are under the GDPR. This article will explain the difference between a controller and processor of data under the GDPR.
Who Does the GDPR Apply To?
The first step is to determine whether the GDPR applies to your business. The GDPR applies to businesses that:
- are physically located in the EU;
- target their goods or services to individuals in the EU; or
- monitor individuals in the EU.
For example, simply allowing EU individuals to access your website does not necessarily mean you have to comply. However, if you offer products in a European currency, you will likely need to comply with the GDPR.
If the GDPR applies to your business, the next step is to assess the way you process personal data, as either a controller or a processor.
What Is a Controller?
A controller is an entity that decides which personal data to collect from individuals. They then also decide how they will use that data.
For example, if you are an online retailer and you collect the contact details of your customers, you are deciding which information to collect and are a controller.
If your company is a controller, you will process data on many different occasions.
For example, this may be when you:
- collect contact details to communicate with customers;
- run analytics on your app to look for trends with the way users engage with your app; and
- use cookies on your website.
Each time you process data as a controller, you will need to choose a legal basis on which to do so. The table below explains the legal bases available to you.
Consent | The individual has consented to you processing their personal data. |
Performing a contract | The processing is a part of your obligations under a contract you have with the individuals. |
Vital interests | The processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the individual. |
Public interest | The processing is necessary for performing a task in the public interest. |
Legal obligation | You are processing to comply with your businesses’ legal obligation. |
Legitimate interests | Processing is necessary for your businesses’ legitimate interests (this is self-assessed by you). |
What Is a Processor?
A processor is a business which is instructed to process personal data by a controller. This often occurs in the context of performing services for that controller.
For example, a third-party payment processor (TPPP) like PayPal, that processes payments on behalf of an online retailer. Here, the retailer is a controller and the TPPP is a processor.
To slightly complicate the matter, the TPPP could also be a controller in this situation if it holds the contact details of a key contact or employee of the online retailer. Businesses can be controllers of some information and processors of other information. The distinguishing factor is who makes the decisions on:
- which information is collected; and
- how to use the information.
Data Processing Agreements
The GDPR requires that controllers and processors have an agreement in place with their respective processors and controllers. Called a data processing agreement, this document should set out the way each party handles personal data. Importantly, this allows controllers to ensure that processors adhere to the same obligations that they are required to uphold.
For example, a mobile app business that collects its users’ personal data is a controller. The business may also use a developer to provide ongoing development for the app. While building and updating the app, that developer may use and analyse the personal data originally collected by the app business.
Here, the developer is acting as a processor. The app business will have obligations under the GDPR and will need to make sure that the developer will comply with these responsibilities.
To ensure that processors fulfil the privacy obligations of a controller, it is a good idea to use a data processing agreement that sets out how they must handle the personal data.
Non-Compliance With the GDPR
There are many other obligations that you will need to comply with under the GDPR. If you fail to do so, your business may face investigations and fines by EU regulators.
For example, in January 2019, a French regulator fined Google €50 million (approximately AUD$79 million) for not adequately obtaining informed consent from individuals.
In the future, the EU regulators may investigate and impose sanctions on Australian businesses operating in the EU.
Key Takeaways
If the GDPR applies to your business, it is crucial to know whether you are a controller or processor. This is important as controllers and processors have different compliance obligations under the GDPR. If you fail to comply with the GDPR, your business may face large fines.
LegalVision cannot provide legal assistance with this topic. We recommend you contact your local law society.
Redundancies and Restructuring: Understanding Your Employer Obligations
Thursday 7 July | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
How to Sponsor Foreign Workers For Your Tech Business
Wednesday 13 July | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
Advertising 101: Social Media, Influencers and the Law
Thursday 21 July | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
Structuring for Certainty in Uncertain Times
Tuesday 26 July | 12:00 - 12:45pm
Online
Playing for the Prize: How to Run Trade Promotions
Thursday 28 July | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
Web3 Essentials: Understanding SAFT Agreements
Tuesday 2 August | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
Understanding Your Annual Franchise Update Obligations
Wednesday 3 August | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
Legal Essentials for Product Manufacturers
Thursday 11 August | 11:00 - 11:45am
Online
Was this article helpful?
We appreciate your feedback – your submission has been successfully received.
About LegalVision: LegalVision is a commercial law firm that provides businesses with affordable and ongoing legal assistance through our industry-first membership.
By becoming a member, you'll have an experienced legal team ready to answer your questions, draft and review your contracts, and resolve your disputes. All the legal assistance your business needs, for a low monthly fee.