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ARTICLE · 11 JUNE 2024

GDPR: Who Are Data Controllers And Processors?

Clarkslegal LLP
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When making decisions or processing personal data, it is important to understand whether your role is a controller or processor as each have different duties and obligations when dealing with personal data.

United KingdomPrivacy
Jacob Montague
Jacob Montague

What is a data controller?

When making decisions or processing personal data, it is important to understand whether your role is a controller or processor as each have different duties and obligations when dealing with personal data. We have set out below what each role entails.

What does a controller do?

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) defines a controller as a "natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of processing of personal data". Ultimately, controllers determine the purposes and means of processing, in particular, what data to process, why and how. They are the main decision-makers and exercise overall control as to how the personal data is processed.

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