Andmekasutajad

Andmekasutajad is a term used in Estonian data protection and information management contexts to describe any person, organization, or system that accesses, processes, or uses data stored in information systems. This can include employees, managers, contractors, service providers, or automated processes that work with data such as personal information, operational data, or metadata.

In practice, andmekasutajad operate under data protection laws and organizational policies that govern how data may be accessed and for what purposes. In Estonia and within the European Union, the handling of personal data is guided by principles such as lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, and integrity/confidentiality. Compliance often requires clear lawful bases for processing, documented responsibilities, and appropriate security measures.

Key responsibilities of andmekasutajad include applying access controls, maintaining data minimization, ensuring data accuracy, implementing security measures (encryption, authentication, and audit trails), and adhering to retention schedules. They must also respect data subjects’ rights, such as access, correction, and deletion, and report any data breaches promptly to the appropriate authorities.

Common roles associated with andmekasutajad are data controllers, who determine the purposes and means of processing, and data processors, who handle data on behalf of controllers. Effective governance—through policies, training, risk assessments, and regular audits—is essential to manage who may access data, when, and under what circumstances.

See also: personal data, data controller, data processor, data subject.