What are contractual clauses for data protection?
Contractual Clauses for data protection are specific legal provisions that dictate how personal data must be treated by a processor or controller. These terms are mandatory under Article 28 of the UK GDPR for any third-party data relationship. They provide a clear framework for security, confidentiality, and the rights of the data subjects involved.
Why are contractual clauses necessary for UK GDPR compliance?
Contractual clauses form part of a data processing agreement and are required to provide a lawful framework for data processing activities between different legal entities. Without these written agreements, an organisation cannot demonstrate accountability to the supervisory authority.
How do you implement contractual clauses effectively?
Implementing Contractual Clauses requires a structured approach to ensure all data processing activities remain legally sound.
- Identify the Data Flow: Determine exactly what personal data is being shared and with whom.
- Define the Roles: Confirm if the parties are acting as controllers, processors, or joint controllers.
- Select the Right Template: Use the International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA) and/or standard Article 28 clauses.
- Execute the Agreement: Ensure both parties sign the contract before any data processing begins.
- Audit for Compliance: Regularly review the performance of the contract to ensure terms are being met.
How ProvePrivacy helps with contractual clauses
ProvePrivacy provides a sophisticated platform to review your contracts and ensure the Contractual Clauses are in place with total ease. Our platform replaces Manual Spreadsheets with an automated workflow that generates and tracks every agreement. We provide instant visibility into your supply chain, ensuring that every vendor relationship is backed by a compliant data processing agreement. With ProvePrivacy, you can ensure your International data transfers and your documentation is always audit-ready.
| Feature | Manual Spreadsheets | ProvePrivacy Software |
|---|---|---|
| Legals | Difficult to assess and evidence | Assessment template and risk based outcomes |
| Visibility | Contracts hidden in folders | Centralised digital contract vault |
| Efficiency | Unclear outcomes | Clear reporting on contract risk |
| Monitoring | Hard to track expiry dates | Real-time renewal alerts |
Sources
- Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): https://ico.org.uk


