Data PrivacyWhat are the Agreements for Data Protection?

What are the Agreements for Data Protection?

Different types of Agreements which are essential for data protection in the context of stringent regulations of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA, 2023) are as under;

1. Data Processing Agreement (DPA)

• Purpose: To outline the terms under which data will be processed by a data processor on behalf of a data controller.
• Key Clauses: Scope of processing, data subject rights, security measures, sub-processors, and audit rights.
• Example: A cloud service provider entering into a DPA with a corporate client to store employee data.

2. Data Sharing Agreement

• Purpose: To govern the sharing of data between two or more parties.
• Key Clauses: Types of data to be shared, purpose of sharing, security measures, and data retention policies.
• Example: Two healthcare providers sharing patient data for research purposes.

3. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

• Purpose: To protect confidential information, including personal data, that may be disclosed during business operations.
• Key Clauses: Definition of confidential information, obligations of the parties, and penalties for breach.
• Example: A software development company entering into an NDA with a freelance developer.

4. Data Protection Addendum

• Purpose: To add data protection clauses to an existing contract that may not adequately address data protection.
• Key Clauses: Data protection responsibilities, compliance with laws, and indemnification.

5. Service Level Agreement (SLA)

• Purpose: To specify the level of service expected from a data processor, including data protection standards.
• Key Clauses: Performance metrics, security standards, and remedies for non-compliance.
• Example: An e-commerce platform and a payment gateway provider.

6. Consent Agreement

• Purpose: To obtain explicit consent from data subjects for data collection and processing.
• Key Clauses: Scope of consent, withdrawal mechanism, and data subject rights.
• Example: A medical research organization obtaining consent from participants.

7.End-User License Agreement (EULA)

• Purpose: To define the terms under which end-users can use a software or application, including how their data will be handled.
• Key Elements: Data collection, usage, third-party sharing, and data protection measures.
• Example: A mobile app providing its services to consumers.

8. Employee Data Protection Agreement

• Purpose: To inform employees of their rights and responsibilities concerning data protection.
• Key Clauses: Employee data that will be collected, purpose of collection, and security measures.
• Example : The data collected will be used exclusively for employment-related activities.

9. Cloud Service Agreement

• Purpose: To outline the terms under which data will be stored and processed in a cloud environment.
• Key Clauses: Data ownership, security measures, and data transfer protocols.
• Example : The agreement to define the terms and conditions under which the client’s data will be stored, processed, and secured in the cloud environment provided by the Cloud Service Provider.

10. Joint Controller Agreement

• Purpose: To specify the responsibilities of each party when two or more entities act as joint controllers of personal data.
• Key Clauses: Allocation of responsibilities, data subject rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Example : Entity A shall be responsible for obtaining consent from data subjects, while Entity B shall be responsible for securely storing and processing the data

11. Data Retention Policy Agreement

• Purpose: To specify how long data will be retained and the procedures for data deletion.
• Key Clauses: Data categories, retention periods, and deletion procedures.
• Example: “Personal data will be retained for 5 years, financial data for 7 years, and health records will be retained indefinitely unless otherwise required by law.”

The above stated are few of the contracts and agreements which shall be the legal backbone of any data protection strategy. These agreements should define the roles, responsibilities, and liabilities of all parties involved in the processing of personal data. Given the stringent requirements and potential penalties under DPDPA, 2023, having well-drafted contracts is not just advisable but essential for compliance.

Each type of agreement serves a specific purpose and requires a deep understanding of both legal and technical aspects to ensure robust data protection. Your role in drafting, reviewing, and advising on these contracts will be pivotal in navigating the complex landscape of data protection law in India.

For any query or feedback, please feel free to get in touch with dataprivacy@amlegals.com or tanmay.banthia@amlegals.com or mridusha.guha@amlegals.com