Rock the OneTrust Certified Privacy Pro Exam 2026 – Privacy Pros, Prepare to Shine!

A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is fundamentally a contract that outlines the responsibilities and obligations of parties involved in the handling of personal data. This agreement is particularly crucial when data is processed by a third party on behalf of a data controller to ensure that the data is handled in compliance with applicable data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The DPA specifies how personal data should be processed, the purpose of the processing, the duration, and the types of personal data involved. It also includes the security measures that must be implemented to protect the data, the rights of data subjects, and the procedures for dealing with data breaches. By clearly delineating these responsibilities, the DPA helps to ensure accountability and compliance in data processing operations.

Understanding the role of a DPA is essential for organizations that process personal data, as it forms the basis for ensuring lawful and ethical data handling practices in accordance with privacy regulations.