According to article 4 of the eu gdpr different roles are identified as indicated below.
Gdpr controller vs processor responsibilities.
For more information about a processor s direct responsibilities under the gdpr please see our guidance on controllers and processors.
A processor may be contractually liable to the controller for any failure to meet the terms of their agreed contract.
The gdpr defines these terms.
Data controllers must process all personal data in compliance with the gdpr and be able to provide evidence of this to the relevant supervisory authority.
The gdpr introduces new responsibilities for both controller and processor.
As a common recommendation confirm that there exists a clear and specific data processing agreement before handing over the processing to a third party.
The accountability requirement is first laid out in article 5 1 of the gdpr listing six required principles underpinning.
The gdpr draws a distinction between a controller and a processor in order to recognise that not all organisations involved in the processing of personal data have the same degree of responsibility.
As the controller is the key decision maker with regards to personal data most of the responsibilities for compliance with the gdpr fall on the controller s shoulders.
Can a processor be held liable for non compliance.
Understanding the differences between the two and how the role that your organization serves in any particular scenario alters your responsibilities is key to compliance.
Obligations of a controller vs a processor.
However where a processor breaches one of its few legal obligations.
Controllers and processors have distinctly different responsibilities but work together to attain the gdpr s data privacy standards.
However article 4 10 of the gdpr defines third party as a natural or legal person public authority agency or body other than the data.
Processors legal obligations and responsibilities are limited e g.
See article here and for this reason controllers and processors have a legal obligation to enter into a contract to ensure the processor does not put their controller at risk of a gdpr breach.
Controller means the natural or legal person public authority agency or other body which alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data processor means a natural or legal person public authority agency or other body which processes.
Third party processor vs third party data processors are generally third party organisations that is they are external organisations that work for or on behalf of data controllers.
The roles and responsibilities of data controllers and data processors will become increasingly important as organizations strive to maintain compliance with gdpr.