dataansvar

Dataansvar, or data controller, is the entity that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data. The dataansvar is accountable for ensuring that processing complies with data protection rules, such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This role can reside in a single organization or be shared by several parties in certain arrangements.

Key duties include establishing a lawful basis for processing, defining the purposes and means of processing, and implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect data. The dataansvar must maintain records of processing activities, perform data protection impact assessments for high-risk processing, and, when required, appoint a data protection officer. Data processing activities must align with principles such as data minimization, purpose limitation, storage limitation, and integrity and confidentiality.

The dataansvar must respect data subjects' rights, including access to personal data, rectification, erasure, restriction, data portability, and objection. In the event of a personal data breach, the dataansvar typically must assess the risk and, if necessary, notify the relevant supervisory authority and affected individuals within legal deadlines.

If a processor processes data on behalf of the dataansvar, a data processing agreement is required, and the dataansvar remains ultimately responsible for compliance. In some cases, several parties can be joint controllers, sharing responsibility.

In Sweden and many other jurisdictions, dataansvar is defined within GDPR framework and implemented through national data protection authorities. Effective governance, documentation, and ongoing staff training are essential components of fulfilling the role.