DPA (Data Processing Agreement)

A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is a formal contract between a company (the data controller) and a third party (the data processor) that outlines how personal data is handled. It specifies responsibilities, security measures, and compliance requirements to protect individuals’ privacy. The DPA ensures that the processor only uses the data for agreed purposes, maintains confidentiality, and follows data protection laws such as GDPR. Think of it as a mutual understanding and written commitment to handle personal information responsibly and securely across all stages of processing.