A data processor is a third-party organisation that handles personal data on behalf of a data controller. While controllers decide why personal data is collected, cloud platforms, payroll providers, IT firms, and other third-party vendors must follow their instructions when storing, processing, or transmitting that information.
If a processor fails to comply with data protection laws, a security incident can potentially compromise large volumes of personal information stored in centralised databases or cloud systems. This information may include contact details, financial records, biometrics, or medical data. The consequences for those affected can be severe, including financial loss, emotional distress, and a loss of control over their data.
If you have suffered financial or psychological harm due to a data breach caused by a processor’s security failures, our panel of specialist solicitors can provide clear, practical legal support tailored to your situation. They understand how disruptive these incidents can be and are committed to helping individuals pursue compensation following a data breach. Their services are provided on a No Win No Fee basis, ensuring financial transparency for claimants throughout the claims process.
Contact our advisors today to discuss your case, learn more about data processors and other legal terms, and find out how a solicitor from our panel can help you move forward with confidence:
- Call on 020 8050 6279
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Jump To A Section
- What Is A Data Processor?
- What Is The Difference Between A Processor And A Data Controller?
- The Duties Of A Data Processor
- Data Processor Examples
- Can Data Processors Be Held Liable For Breaches?
- How Data Breach Claims Can Help You After A Breach
- No Win No Fee Data Breach Claims
- Learn More
What Is A Data Processor?
A data processor is a third party that handles personal data for an organisation but does not control the purpose or method of that processing. Instead, it works under the instructions of the data controller, carrying out tasks such as storing, organising, or transmitting data. Examples include outsourced IT providers, payroll administrators, and cloud hosting services.
If you’d like to learn more about what a data processor is and how they handle personal data in practice, get in touch with our advisory team today. They are here to provide clear, straightforward guidance tailored to your situation so you can make informed decisions about your legal options.
What Is The Difference Between A Processor And A Data Controller?
The difference between a processor and a data controller, as defined by the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), is control over how and why personal information is used.
A data controller decides the purpose and means of processing personal data. In other words, they determine what data is collected, why it is collected, and how it will be used.
A data processor, on the other hand, acts on behalf of the controller and processes personal data strictly according to the controller’s instructions. Processors do not make decisions about the purpose of the data use.
If you’ve been affected by a data breach and want clear advice on who may be legally responsible, get in touch with our team today to discuss your situation and explore whether you could be entitled to compensation.
The Duties Of A Data Processor
While external processors handle personal data in various capacities, their primary obligation is to process this information strictly according to the controller’s documented instructions. Some of the processor’s main duties are outlined below:
- Under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, processors must handle personal data only in line with the data controller’s instructions. This means they must not use it for any purpose that deviates from this mandate, including for their own commercial benefit.
- They are also legally required to have rigorous safeguards in place to ensure confidentiality and prevent unauthorised access, loss, destruction, or alteration of personal data. This may include clear access controls, appropriate data protection training, and regularly audited encryption measures.
- If a breach occurs on the processor’s end, they must notify the data controller without undue delay and assist with any investigation or reporting obligations.
If you believe a data processor has failed in its duties and this has led to a personal data breach, contact our advisors today for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim. Should you have a valid case, you may be connected to one of the dedicated data breach solicitors on our panel.
Data Processor Examples
A data processor is a person or organisation that processes personal data on behalf of another organisation, known as the data controller.
Common real-life examples of data processors include:
- Payroll companies process employee salary and tax information for businesses.
- Cloud storage providers store customer or employee data on behalf of organisations.
- IT support companies access personal data while maintaining systems and networks.
- Marketing agencies handle customer contact details for email or advertising campaigns.
- Outsourced call centres process customer information for service or support purposes.
In each case, the processor handles personal data under the data controller’s instructions rather than deciding how the data is used.
If you believe a data processor may have been responsible for a data breach involving your personal information, contact our panel of specialist data breach solicitors today for a free assessment of your potential claim.
Can Data Processors Be Held Liable For Breaches?
Yes, data processors can be held liable for personal data breaches in certain circumstances. Under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, data processors must handle personal data securely and follow the lawful instructions of the data controller.
If a processor fails to comply with data protection laws, acts outside the controller’s instructions, or does not implement appropriate security measures, it may be responsible for any resulting data breach and compensation claims.
Contact our advisory team today so they can help you explore your legal options in complete confidence.
How Data Breach Claims Can Help You After A Breach
Here at Data Breach Claims, our panel of solicitors pride themselves on providing clients with specialist support and guidance throughout every stage of a data breach claim. Our panel draws on a wealth of knowledge of data protection laws, giving them the insight needed to hold a third-party processor accountable for any failure to comply with their legal obligations.
If you decide to pursue compensation with a specialist data breach solicitor from our panel, they will:
- Assist you in obtaining evidence and building a strong compensation claim, including any breach notification letter sent by the processor.
- Assess the circumstances of the breach, whether that involves a cloud provider failing to implement necessary encryption measures or a marketing agency improperly disposing of physical records.
- Negotiate a settlement that fully accounts for the financial losses, distress, or anxiety caused by the processor’s failure to protect your personal data.
- Maintain direct communication with the processor’s legal representatives, easing the pressure on you and allowing you to focus on your wellbeing.
- Provide clear guidance throughout the process, including regular updates and straightforward explanations of data controllers, processors, and other legal terms.
Contact our specialist data breach solicitors today for a free initial consultation and find out how we could help you pursue the compensation and support you deserve.
No Win No Fee Data Breach Claims
Every one of the specialist solicitors making up our panel here at Data Breach Claims offers their comprehensive set of services on strictly No Win No Fee terms through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). From the outset, this agreement gives you access to expert legal representation without the need to pay any solicitor service fees throughout a data breach claim. This includes:
- Before the claim gets started.
- While the claim is ongoing.
- If compensation is not awarded.
If your claim wins, a success fee must be paid. This fee is an agreed percentage deducted directly from your compensation under the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013.
Contact Us
Contact our advisory team today to find out whether you could pursue compensation with the dedicated support of our panel of data breach solicitors. Our advisors provide a free initial assessment, and there is no obligation to proceed with a claim. Get in touch by:
- Phoning on 020 8050 6279
- Filling out our quick ‘contact us‘ form.
- Messaging an advisor using our live chat.
Learn More
Some more guides by us:
- Learn about the process of pursuing compensation after a government data breach.
- Find out how our panel could support you when making a hospital data breach claim.
- Explore the steps involved in making a hotel data breach claim.
External resources:
- Review your right to get data deleted in this overview by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
- Learn about the work of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on its website.
- Read this guidance on managing stress from this NHS resource.
Thank you for taking the time to read our guide on what a data processor is.