Behandlingsansvariga

Behandlingsansvariga is a term used in data protection law, particularly under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It refers to the entity or entities that determine the purposes and means of processing personal data. The behandlingsansvarig is responsible for ensuring that the processing of personal data is lawful, fair and transparent, and that it respects the rights of data subjects. This includes establishing a legal basis for processing, providing appropriate notices, and implementing security measures to protect the data.

When two or more actors jointly determine why and how personal data is processed, they are described as gemensamt behandlingsansvariga, or joint controllers. In such cases the parties must agree, in a transparent arrangement, how responsibilities are allocated. The agreement should specify who handles data subject requests, who is responsible for compliance, and how any potential disputes are resolved. Clear allocation helps avoid confusion about accountability and ensures consistent communication to data subjects.

Key obligations of behandlingsansvariga include maintaining records of processing activities, conducting data protection impact assessments when required, and enabling data subjects to exercise their rights (such as access, rectification, erasure, and data portability). They must also ensure that processing by processors—organizations that handle data on behalf of the controller—is governed by data processing agreements and that processors only act on the controller’s instructions. In many situations, especially with higher risk processing, appointing a data protection officer may be required or advisable.

In Sweden, the handling of these roles falls under the GDPR framework and is overseen by the Swedish supervisory authority, IMY, which provides guidance and enforces compliance.