Updated November 1st, 2021
1.1 This Data Processing Agreement regarding processing of personal data (the “DPA”) regulates Roadmap as the Data Processor and Service Provider (the “Data Processor”) processing of personal data on behalf of Data Controller as the Data Controller and Certified Business (the “Data Controller”) known as the Parties (the “Parties”) and is incorporated by reference into those certain Terms of Service between the parties (the “Agreement”) in which the parties have agreed the terms for the Data Processor’s delivery of services to the Data Controller.
2.1 This DPA shall ensure that the Data Processor complies with the applicable data protection and privacy legislation (the “Applicable Law”), including in particular The General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPA”) (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) and The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) (California Civil Code § 1798.140(v))
3.1 Purpose: The purpose of the processing under the Agreement is the provision of the Services by the Data Processor as specified in the Agreement.
3.2 In connection with the Data Processor’s delivery of the Services to the Data Controller, the Data Processor will process certain categories and types of the Data Controller’s personal data on behalf of the Data Controller.
3.3 “Personal data” includes “any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person” as defined in the CCPA and GDPA, article 4 (1) (1) (the ”Personal Data”). The categories and types of Personal Data processed by the Data Processor on behalf of the Data Controller are listed in sub-appendix A. The Data Processor only performs processing activities that are necessary and relevant to perform the Services. The parties shall update sub-appendix A whenever changes occur that necessitates an update.
3.4 The Data Processor shall have and maintain a register of processing activities in accordance with the CCPA and GDPA, article 32 (2).
4.1 The Data Processor may only act and process the Personal Data in accordance with the documented instruction from the Data Controller (the “Instruction”), unless required by law to act without such instruction. The Instruction at the time of entering into this DPA is that the Data Processor may only process the Personal Data with the purpose of delivering the Services as described in this DPA. Subject to mutual agreement of the parties, the Data Controller may issue additional written instructions consistent with the terms of this Agreement. The Data Controller is responsible for ensuring that all individuals who provide written instructions are authorized to do so.
4.2 The Data Controller guarantees to process Personal Data in accordance with the requirements of Data Protection Laws and Regulations. The Data Controller’s instructions for the processing of Personal Data shall comply with Applicable Law. The Data Controller will have sole responsibility for the accuracy, quality, and legality of Personal Data and the means by which it was obtained.
4.3 The Data Processor will inform the Data Controller of any instruction that it deems to be in violation of Applicable Law and will not execute the instructions until they have been confirmed or modified.
5.1 Confidentiality
5.1.1 The Data Processor shall treat all Personal Data as strictly confidential information. The Personal Data may not be copied, transferred or otherwise processed in conflict with the Instruction, unless the Data Controller has agreed in writing.
5.1.2 The Data Processor’s employees shall be subject to an obligation of confidentiality that ensures that the employees shall treat all the Personal Data under this DPA with strict confidentiality.
5.1.3 Personal Data will only be made available to personnel that require access to such Personal Data for the delivery of the Services and this Data Processor Requirements.
5.2 The Data Processor shall also ensure that employees processing the Personal Data only process the Personal Data in accordance with the Instruction.
5.3 Security
5.3.1 The Data Processor shall implement the appropriate technical and organizational measures as set out in this Agreement and in the Applicable Law, including in accordance with the CCPA and GDPA, article 32. The security measures are subject to technical progress and development. The Data Processor may update or modify the security measures from time-to-time provided that such updates and modifications do not result in the degradation of the overall security.
5.4 The Data Processor shall provide documentation for the Data Processor’s security measures if reasonably requested by the Data Controller in writing.
5.5 Data protection impact assessments and prior consultation
5.5.1 If the Data Processor’s assistance is necessary and relevant, the Data Processor shall assist the Data Controller in preparing data protection impact assessments in accordance with the CCPA and GDPA, article 35, along with any prior consultation in accordance with the CCPA and GDPA, article 36.
5.6 Rights of the data subjects
5.6.1 If the Data Controller receives a request from a data subject for the exercise of the data subject’s rights under the Applicable Law and the correct and legitimate reply to such a request necessitates the Data Processor’s assistance, the Data Processor shall assist the Data Controller by providing the necessary information and documentation. The Data Processor shall be given reasonable time to assist the Data Controller with such requests in accordance with the Applicable Law.
5.6.2 If the Data Processor receives a request from a data subject for the exercise of the data subject’s rights under the Applicable Law and such request is related to the Personal Data of the Data Controller, the Data Processor must immediately forward the request to the Data Controller and must refrain from responding to the person directly.
5.7 Personal Data Breaches
5.7.1 Upon obtaining knowledge thereof, the Data Processor shall give immediate notice to the Data Controller if a breach occurs, that can lead to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure of or access to, personal data transmitted, stored or otherwise processed re the Personal Data processed on behalf of the Data Controller (a “Personal Data Breach”).
5.7.2 The Data Processor shall make reasonable efforts to identify the cause of such a breach and take those steps as it deems necessary to establish the cause, and to prevent such a breach from reoccurring.
5.7.3 In the event of any act, error or omission, negligence, misconduct, or breach that is suspected to compromise the security, confidentiality, or integrity of the Data Controller’s Data or the physical, technical, administrative, or organizational safeguards put in place by Roadmap that relate to the protection of the security, confidentiality, or integrity of the Data Controller’s Data, Roadmap must, as deemed necessary: (a) notify Data Controller as soon as possible but no later than within the periods required by applicable law of becoming aware of any occurrence; (b) cooperate with Data Controller in investigating, including making available all appropriate records, logs, files, data reporting, and other materials required to comply with applicable law or as otherwise required by Data Controller; (c) in the case of PII, at Data Controller’s election, (i) notify the affected users who comprise the PII as soon as possible but no later than is required to comply with applicable law; or (ii) reimburse Data Controller for any costs in notifying the affected users as agreed upon by the Parties; (d) in the case of PII, provide third-party credit and identity monitoring services to each of the affected users who comprise the PII for the period required to comply with applicable law; (e) perform any other actions required to comply with applicable law as a result of the occurrence; (f) pay for any costs associated with the occurrence, including but not limited to any costs incurred by Data Controller in investigating and resolving the occurrence, including reasonable attorney’s fees associated with such investigation and resolution as agreed upon in writing by the Parties; (g) without limiting Roadmap’s obligations of indemnification as further described in this Agreement, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Data Controller for any and all claims, including reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and incidental expenses, which may be suffered by, accrued against, charged to, or recoverable from Data Controller in connection with the occurrence; (h) be responsible for recreating lost Data Controller’s Data in the reasonable manner and on the agreed upon schedule set by Data Controller without charge to Data Controller; and (i) provide to Data Controller a detailed plan within ten (10) calendar days of the occurrence describing the measures Roadmap will undertake to prevent a future occurrence. Notification to affected users, as described above, must comply with applicable law, be written in plain language, not be indirectly used for any solicitation purposes, and contain, at a minimum: name and contact information of Roadmap’s representative; a description of the nature of the loss; a list of the types of data involved; the known or approximate date of the loss; how such loss may impact the affected user; what steps Roadmap has taken to protect the affected user; what steps the affected user can take to protect himself or herself; contact information for major credit card reporting agencies; and, information regarding the credit and identity monitoring services to be provided by Roadmap. Data Controller will have the option to review and approve any notification sent to affected users prior to its delivery. This Section 9.5 survives termination or expiration of this Agreement.
5.8 Documentation of compliance and Audit Rights
5.8.1 Upon request by a Data Controller, the Data Processor shall make available to the Data Controller all relevant information necessary to demonstrate compliance with this DPA, and shall allow for and reasonably cooperate with audits, including inspections by the Data Controller or an auditor mandated by the Data Controller. The Data Controller shall give notice of any audit or document inspection to be conducted and shall make reasonable endeavors to avoid causing damage or disruption to the Data Processor’s premises, equipment and business in the course of such an audit or inspection. Any audit or document inspection shall be carried out with reasonable prior written notice of no less than 30 days and shall not be conducted more than once a year.
5.8.2 The Data Controller may be requested to sign a non-disclosure agreement reasonably acceptable to the Data Processor before being furnished with the above.
5.9 Data Transfers
5.9.1 If any Personal Data transfer between Roadmap and the Purchaser requires execution of EU Standard Contractual Clauses (“SCC”) in order to comply with applicable privacy and data protection requirements, the SCC contained in Sub-appendix B shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference, and the Parties will take all other actions required to legitimize the transfer, including, if necessary:
(a) co-operating to register the SCC with any supervisory authority in any member state of the European Economic Area; or
(b) procuring approval from any such supervisory authority; or
(c) providing additional information about the transfer to such supervisory authority.
6.1 The Data Processor is given general authorization to engage third-parties to process the Personal Data (“Sub-Processors”) without obtaining any further written, specific authorization from the Data Controller, provided that the Data Processor notifies the Data Controller in writing about the identity of a potential Sub-Processor (and its processors, if any) before any agreements are made with the relevant Sub-Processors and before the relevant Sub-Processor processes any of the Personal Data. If the Data Controller wishes to object to the relevant Sub- Processor, the Data Controller shall give notice hereof in writing within ten (10) business days from receiving the notification from the Data Processor. Absence of any objections from the Data Controller shall be deemed consent to the relevant Sub-Processor.
6.2 In the event the Data Controller objects to a new Sub-Processor and the Data Processor cannot accommodate the Data Controller’s objection, the Data Controller may terminate the Services by providing written notice to the Data Processor.
6.3 The Data Processor shall complete a written sub-processor agreement with any Sub-Processors. Such an agreement shall at minimum provide the same data protection obligations as the ones applicable to the Data Processor, including the obligations under this Data Processor Requirements. The Data Processor shall on an ongoing basis monitor and control its Sub- Processors’ compliance with the Applicable Law. Documentation of such monitoring and control shall be provided to the Data Controller if so, requested in writing.
6.4 The Data Processor is accountable to the Data Controller for any Sub-Processor in the same way as for its own actions and omissions.
6.5 The Data Processor is at the time of entering into this Data Processor Requirements using the Sub- Processors listed in sub-appendix A. If the Data Processor initiates sub-processing with a new Sub-Processor, such new Sub-Processor shall be added to the list in sub-appendix A.
7.1 The Data Controller shall remunerate the Data Processor based on time spent to perform the obligations under section 5.5, 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8 of this Data Processor Requirements based on the Data Processor’s hourly rates.
7.2 The Data Processor is also entitled to remuneration for any time and material used to adapt and change the processing activities in order to comply with any changes to the Data Controller’s Instruction, including implementation costs and additional costs required to deliver the Services due to the change in the Instruction. The Data Processor is exempted from liability for non-performance with the Main Agreement if the performance of the obligations under the Main Agreement would be in conflict with any changed Instruction or if contractual delivery in accordance with the changed Instruction is impossible. This could for instance be the case; (i) if the changes to the Instruction cannot technically, practically or legally be implemented; (ii) where the Data Controller explicitly requires that the changes to the Instruction shall be applicable before the changes can be implemented; and (iii) in the period of time until the Agreement is changed to reflect the new Instruction and commercial terms thereof.
8.1 The total aggregate liability to the Data Controller, of whatever nature, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, of the Data Processor for any losses whatsoever and howsoever caused arising from or in any way connected with this engagement shall be subject to the “Limitation of Liability” clause set out in the Agreement.
8.2 Nothing in this DPA will relieves the processor of its own direct responsibilities and liabilities under the GDPA or the CCPA.
9.1 The Data Processor Requirements shall remain in force until the Agreement is terminated.
10.1 The Data Processor will appoint a Data Protection Officer where such appointment is required by Data Protection Laws and Regulations.
11.1 Following expiration or termination of the Agreement, the Data Processor will delete or return to the Data Controller all Personal Data in its possession as provided in the Agreement except to the extent the Data Processor is required by Applicable law to retain some or all of the Personal Data (in which case the Data Processor will archive the data and implement reasonable measures to prevent the Personal Data from any further processing). The terms of this DPA will continue to apply to such Personal Data.
12.1 The contact information for the Data Processor and the Data Controller is provided in the Agreement.
1.1 The Data Processor processes the following types of Personal Data in connection with its delivery of the Services:
Information on users from the Data Controller relevant for their interactions with the public roadmap, feedback widget, and messaging features. Namely:
2.1 The Data Processor processes personal data about the following categories of data subjects on behalf of the Data Controller:
3.1 The following Sub-Processors shall be considered approved by the Data Controller at the time of entering into this Agreement:
[STANDARD CONTRACTUAL CLAUSES FOR THE TRANSFER OF PERSONAL DATA FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION TO PROCESSORS ESTABLISHED IN THIRD COUNTRIES (CONTROLLER-TO-PROCESSOR TRANSFERS]
Clause 1
Purpose and scope
The purpose of these standard contractual clauses is to ensure compliance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation)1 for the transfer of personal data to a third country.
The Parties:
have agreed to these standard contractual clauses (hereinafter: ‘Clauses’).
These Clauses apply with respect to the transfer of personal data as specified in Annex I.B.
The Appendix to these Clauses containing the Annexes referred to therein forms an integral part of these Clauses.
Clause 2
Effect and invariability of the Clauses
These Clauses set out appropriate safeguards, including enforceable data subject rights and effective legal remedies, pursuant to Article 46(1) and Article 46(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and, with respect to data transfers from controllers to processors and/or processors to processors, standard contractual clauses pursuant to Article 28(7) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, provided they are not modified, except to select the appropriate Module(s) or to add or update information in the Appendix. This does not prevent the Parties from including the standard contractual clauses laid down in these Clauses in a wider contract and/or to add other clauses or additional safeguards, provided that they do not contradict, directly or indirectly, these Clauses or prejudice the fundamental rights or freedoms of data subjects.
These Clauses are without prejudice to obligations to which the data exporter is subject by virtue of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 3
Third-party beneficiaries
Data subjects may invoke and enforce these Clauses, as third-party beneficiaries, against the data exporter and/or data importer, with the following exceptions:
Paragraph (a) is without prejudice to rights of data subjects under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 4
Interpretation
Where these Clauses use terms that are defined in Regulation (EU) 2016/679, those terms shall have the same meaning as in that Regulation.
These Clauses shall be read and interpreted in the light of the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
These Clauses shall not be interpreted in a way that conflicts with rights and obligations provided for in Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 5
Hierarchy
In the event of a contradiction between these Clauses and the provisions of related agreements between the Parties, existing at the time these Clauses are agreed or entered into thereafter, these Clauses shall prevail.
Clause 6
Description of the transfer(s)
The details of the transfer(s), and in particular the categories of personal data that are transferred and the purpose(s) for which they are transferred, are specified in Annex I.B.
Clause 7 – Not used
Clause 8
Data protection safeguards
The data exporter warrants that it has used reasonable efforts to determine that the data importer is able, through the implementation of appropriate technical and organisational measures, to satisfy its obligations under these Clauses.
The data exporter has informed the data importer that it acts as processor under the instructions of its controller(s), which the data exporter shall make available to the data importer prior to processing.
The data importer shall process the personal data only on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter, and any additional documented instructions from the data exporter. Such additional instructions shall not conflict with the instructions from the controller. The controller or data exporter may give further documented instructions regarding the data processing throughout the duration of the contract.
The data importer shall immediately inform the data exporter if it is unable to follow those instructions. Where the data importer is unable to follow the instructions from the controller, the data exporter shall immediately notify the controller.
The data exporter warrants that it has imposed the same data protection obligations on the data importer as set out in the contract or other legal act under Union or Member State law between the controller and the data exporter2.
The data importer shall process the personal data only for the specific purpose(s) of the transfer, as set out in Annex I.B., unless on further instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter, or from the data exporter.
On request, the data exporter shall make a copy of these Clauses, including the Appendix as completed by the Parties, available to the data subject free of charge. To the extent necessary to protect business secrets or other confidential information, including personal data, the data exporter may redact part of the text of the Appendix prior to sharing a copy, but shall provide a meaningful summary where the data subject would otherwise not be able to understand its content or exercise his/her rights. On request, the Parties shall provide the data subject with the reasons for the redactions, to the extent possible without revealing the redacted information.
If the data importer becomes aware that the personal data it has received is inaccurate, or has become outdated, it shall inform the data exporter without undue delay. In this case, the data importer shall cooperate with the data exporter to rectify or erase the data.
Processing by the data importer shall only take place for the duration specified in Annex I.B. After the end of the provision of the processing services, the data importer shall, at the choice of the data exporter, delete all personal data processed on behalf of the controller and certify to the data exporter that it has done so, or return to the data exporter all personal data processed on its behalf and delete existing copies. Until the data is deleted or returned, the data importer shall continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses. In case of local laws applicable to the data importer that prohibit return or deletion of the personal data, the data importer warrants that it will continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses and will only process it to the extent and for as long as required under that local law. This is without prejudice to Clause 14, in particular the requirement for the data importer under Clause 14(e) to notify the data exporter throughout the duration of the contract if it has reason to believe that it is or has become subject to laws or practices not in line with the requirements under Clause 14(a).
The data importer and, during transmission, also the data exporter shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of the data, including protection against a breach of security leading to accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure or access to that data (hereinafter ‘personal data breach’). In assessing the appropriate level of security, they shall take due account of the state of the art, the costs of implementation, the nature, scope, context and purpose(s) of processing and the risks involved in the processing for the data subject. The Parties shall in particular consider having recourse to encryption or pseudonymisation, including during transmission, where the purpose of processing can be fulfilled in that manner. In case of pseudonymisation, the additional information for attributing the personal data to a specific data subject shall, where possible, remain under the exclusive control of the data exporter or the controller. In complying with its obligations under this paragraph, the data importer shall at least implement the technical and organisational measures specified in Annex II. The data importer shall carry out regular checks to ensure that these measures continue to provide an appropriate level of security.
The data importer shall grant access to the data to members of its personnel only to the extent strictly necessary for the implementation, management and monitoring of the contract. It shall ensure that persons authorised to process the personal data have committed themselves to confidentiality or are under an appropriate statutory obligation of confidentiality.
In the event of a personal data breach concerning personal data processed by the data importer under these Clauses, the data importer shall take appropriate measures to address the breach, including measures to mitigate its adverse effects. The data importer shall also notify, without undue delay, the data exporter and, where appropriate and feasible, the controller after having become aware of the breach. Such notification shall contain the details of a contact point where more information can be obtained, a description of the nature of the breach (including, where possible, categories and approximate number of data subjects and personal data records concerned), its likely consequences and the measures taken or proposed to address the data breach, including measures to mitigate its possible adverse effects. Where, and in so far as, it is not possible to provide all information at the same time, the initial notification shall contain the information then available and further information shall, as it becomes available, subsequently be provided without undue delay.
The data importer shall cooperate with and assist the data exporter to enable the data exporter to comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679, in particular to notify its controller so that the latter may in turn notify the competent supervisory authority and the affected data subjects, taking into account the nature of processing and the information available to the data importer.
Where the transfer involves personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, genetic data, or biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or a person’s sex life or sexual orientation, or data relating to criminal convictions and offences (hereinafter ‘sensitive data’), the data importer shall apply the specific restrictions and/or additional safeguards set out in Annex I.B.
The data importer shall only disclose the personal data to a third party on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter. In addition, the data may only be disclosed to a third party located outside the European Union3 (in the same country as the data importer or in another third country, hereinafter ‘onward transfer’) if the third party is or agrees to be bound by these Clauses, under the appropriate Module, or if:
(i) the onward transfer is to a country benefitting from an adequacy decision pursuant to Article 45 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the onward transfer;
(ii) the third party otherwise ensures appropriate safeguards pursuant to Articles 46 or 47 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679;
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
Any onward transfer is subject to compliance by the data importer with all the other safeguards under these Clauses, in particular purpose limitation.
The data importer shall promptly and adequately deal with enquiries from the data exporter or the controller that relate to the processing under these Clauses.
The Parties shall be able to demonstrate compliance with these Clauses. In particular, the data importer shall keep appropriate documentation on the processing activities carried out on behalf of the controller.
The data importer shall make all information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the obligations set out in these Clauses available to the data exporter, which shall provide it to the controller.
The data importer shall allow for and contribute to audits by the data exporter of the processing activities covered by these Clauses, at reasonable intervals or if there are indications of non-compliance. The same shall apply where the data exporter requests an audit on instructions of the controller. In deciding on an audit, the data exporter may take into account relevant certifications held by the data importer.
Where the audit is carried out on the instructions of the controller, the data exporter shall make the results available to the controller.
The data exporter may choose to conduct the audit by itself or mandate an independent auditor. Audits may include inspections at the premises or physical facilities of the data importer and shall, where appropriate, be carried out with reasonable notice.
The Parties shall make the information referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c), including the results of any audits, available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
Clause 9
Use of sub-processors
The data importer has the controller’s general authorisation for the engagement of sub-processor(s) from an agreed list. The data importer shall specifically inform the controller in writing of any intended changes to that list through the addition or replacement of sub-processors at least 30 days in advance, thereby giving the controller sufficient time to be able to object to such changes prior to the engagement of the sub-processor(s). The data importer shall provide the controller with the information necessary to enable the controller to exercise its right to object. The data importer shall inform the data exporter of the engagement of the sub-processor(s).
Where the data importer engages a sub-processor to carry out specific processing activities (on behalf of the controller), it shall do so by way of a written contract that provides for, in substance, the same data protection obligations as those binding the data importer under these Clauses, including in terms of third-party beneficiary rights for data subjects4. The Parties agree that, by complying with this Clause, the data importer fulfils its obligations under Clause 8.8. The data importer shall ensure that the sub-processor complies with the obligations to which the data importer is subject pursuant to these Clauses.
The data importer shall provide, at the data exporter’s or controller’s request, a copy of such a sub-processor agreement and any subsequent amendments. To the extent necessary to protect business secrets or other confidential information, including personal data, the data importer may redact the text of the agreement prior to sharing a copy.
The data importer shall remain fully responsible to the data exporter for the performance of the sub-processor’s obligations under its contract with the data importer. The data importer shall notify the data exporter of any failure by the sub-processor to fulfil its obligations under that contract.
The data importer shall agree a third-party beneficiary clause with the sub-processor whereby – in the event the data importer has factually disappeared, ceased to exist in law or has become insolvent – the data exporter shall have the right to terminate the sub-processor contract and to instruct the sub-processor to erase or return the personal data.
Clause 10
Data subject rights
The data importer shall promptly notify the data exporter and, where appropriate, the controller of any request it has received from a data subject, without responding to that request unless it has been authorised to do so by the controller.
The data importer shall assist, where appropriate in cooperation with the data exporter, the controller in fulfilling its obligations to respond to data subjects’ requests for the exercise of their rights under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 or Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, as applicable. In this regard, the Parties shall set out in Annex II the appropriate technical and organisational measures, taking into account the nature of the processing, by which the assistance shall be provided, as well as the scope and the extent of the assistance required.
In fulfilling its obligations under paragraphs (a) and (b), the data importer shall comply with the instructions from the controller, as communicated by the data exporter.
Clause 11
Redress
The data importer shall inform data subjects in a transparent and easily accessible format, through individual notice or on its website, of a contact point authorised to handle complaints. It shall deal promptly with any complaints it receives from a data subject.
In case of a dispute between a data subject and one of the Parties as regards compliance with these Clauses, that Party shall use its best efforts to resolve the issue amicably in a timely fashion. The Parties shall keep each other informed about such disputes and, where appropriate, cooperate in resolving them.
Where the data subject invokes a third-party beneficiary right pursuant to Clause 3, the data importer shall accept the decision of the data subject to:
lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority in the Member State of his/her habitual residence or place of work, or the competent supervisory authority pursuant to Clause 13;
refer the dispute to the competent courts within the meaning of Clause 18.
The Parties accept that the data subject may be represented by a not-for-profit body, organisation or association under the conditions set out in Article 80(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
The data importer shall abide by a decision that is binding under the applicable EU or Member State law.
The data importer agrees that the choice made by the data subject will not prejudice his/her substantive and procedural rights to seek remedies in accordance with applicable laws.
Clause 12
Liability
Each Party shall be liable to the other Party/ies for any damages it causes the other Party/ies by any breach of these Clauses.
The data importer shall be liable to the data subject, and the data subject shall be entitled to receive compensation, for any material or non-material damages the data importer or its sub-processor causes the data subject by breaching the third-party beneficiary rights under these Clauses.
Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the data exporter shall be liable to the data subject, and the data subject shall be entitled to receive compensation, for any material or non-material damages the data exporter or the data importer (or its sub-processor) causes the data subject by breaching the third-party beneficiary rights under these Clauses. This is without prejudice to the liability of the data exporter and, where the data exporter is a processor acting on behalf of a controller, to the liability of the controller under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 or Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, as applicable.
The Parties agree that if the data exporter is held liable under paragraph (c) for damages caused by the data importer (or its sub-processor), it shall be entitled to claim back from the data importer that part of the compensation corresponding to the data importer’s responsibility for the damage.
Where more than one Party is responsible for any damage caused to the data subject as a result of a breach of these Clauses, all responsible Parties shall be jointly and severally liable and the data subject is entitled to bring an action in court against any of these Parties.
The Parties agree that if one Party is held liable under paragraph (e), it shall be entitled to claim back from the other Party/ies that part of the compensation corresponding to its/their responsibility for the damage.
The data importer may not invoke the conduct of a sub-processor to avoid its own liability.
Clause 13
Supervision
Where the data exporter is not established in an EU Member State, but falls within the territorial scope of application of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 in accordance with its Article 3(2) and has appointed a representative pursuant to Article 27(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679: The supervisory authority of the Member State in which the representative within the meaning of Article 27(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 is established, as indicated in Annex I.C, shall act as competent supervisory authority.
Where the data exporter is not established in an EU Member State, but falls within the territorial scope of application of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 in accordance with its Article 3(2) without however having to appoint a representative pursuant to Article 27(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679: The supervisory authority of one of the Member States in which the data subjects whose personal data is transferred under these Clauses in relation to the offering of goods or services to them, or whose behaviour is monitored, are located, as indicated in Annex I.C, shall act as competent supervisory authority.
The data importer agrees to submit itself to the jurisdiction of and cooperate with the competent supervisory authority in any procedures aimed at ensuring compliance with these Clauses. In particular, the data importer agrees to respond to enquiries, submit to audits and comply with the measures adopted by the supervisory authority, including remedial and compensatory measures. It shall provide the supervisory authority with written confirmation that the necessary actions have been taken.
Clause 14
Local laws and practices affecting compliance with the Clauses
The Parties warrant that they have no reason to believe that the laws and practices in the third country of destination applicable to the processing of the personal data by the data importer, including any requirements to disclose personal data or measures authorising access by public authorities, prevent the data importer from fulfilling its obligations under these Clauses. This is based on the understanding that laws and practices that respect the essence of the fundamental rights and freedoms and do not exceed what is necessary and proportionate in a democratic society to safeguard one of the objectives listed in Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, are not in contradiction with these Clauses.
The Parties declare that in providing the warranty in paragraph (a), they have taken due account in particular of the following elements:
The data importer warrants that, in carrying out the assessment under paragraph (b), it has made its best efforts to provide the data exporter with relevant information and agrees that it will continue to cooperate with the data exporter in ensuring compliance with these Clauses.
The Parties agree to document the assessment under paragraph (b) and make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
The data importer agrees to notify the data exporter promptly if, after having agreed to these Clauses and for the duration of the contract, it has reason to believe that it is or has become subject to laws or practices not in line with the requirements under paragraph (a), including following a change in the laws of the third country or a measure (such as a disclosure request) indicating an application of such laws in practice that is not in line with the requirements in paragraph (a). The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
Following a notification pursuant to paragraph (e), or if the data exporter otherwise has reason to believe that the data importer can no longer fulfil its obligations under these Clauses, the data exporter shall promptly identify appropriate measures (e.g. technical or organisational measures to ensure security and confidentiality) to be adopted by the data exporter and/or data importer to address the situation, if appropriate in consultation with the controller. The data exporter shall suspend the data transfer if it considers that no appropriate safeguards for such transfer can be ensured, or if instructed by the controller or the competent supervisory authority to do so. In this case, the data exporter shall be entitled to terminate the contract, insofar as it concerns the processing of personal data under these Clauses. If the contract involves more than two Parties, the data exporter may exercise this right to termination only with respect to the relevant Party, unless the Parties have agreed otherwise. Where the contract is terminated pursuant to this Clause, Clause 16(d) and (e) shall apply.
Clause 15
Obligations of the data importer in case of access by public authorities
The data importer agrees to notify the data exporter and, where possible, the data subject promptly (if necessary with the help of the data exporter) if it:
receives a legally binding request from a public authority, including judicial authorities, under the laws of the country of destination for the disclosure of personal data transferred pursuant to these Clauses; such notification shall include information about the personal data requested, the requesting authority, the legal basis for the request and the response provided; or
becomes aware of any direct access by public authorities to personal data transferred pursuant to these Clauses in accordance with the laws of the country of destination; such notification shall include all information available to the importer.
The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
If the data importer is prohibited from notifying the data exporter and/or the data subject under the laws of the country of destination, the data importer agrees to use its best efforts to obtain a waiver of the prohibition, with a view to communicating as much information as possible, as soon as possible. The data importer agrees to document its best efforts in order to be able to demonstrate them on request of the data exporter.
Where permissible under the laws of the country of destination, the data importer agrees to provide the data exporter, at regular intervals for the duration of the contract, with as much relevant information as possible on the requests received (in particular, number of requests, type of data requested, requesting authority/ies, whether requests have been challenged and the outcome of such challenges, etc.). The data exporter shall forward the information to the controller.
The data importer agrees to preserve the information pursuant to paragraphs (a) to (c) for the duration of the contract and make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
Paragraphs (a) to (c) are without prejudice to the obligation of the data importer pursuant to Clause 14(e) and Clause 16 to inform the data exporter promptly where it is unable to comply with these Clauses.
The data importer agrees to review the legality of the request for disclosure, in particular whether it remains within the powers granted to the requesting public authority, and to challenge the request if, after careful assessment, it concludes that there are reasonable grounds to consider that the request is unlawful under the laws of the country of destination, applicable obligations under international law and principles of international comity. The data importer shall, under the same conditions, pursue possibilities of appeal. When challenging a request, the data importer shall seek interim measures with a view to suspending the effects of the request until the competent judicial authority has decided on its merits. It shall not disclose the personal data requested until required to do so under the applicable procedural rules. These requirements are without prejudice to the obligations of the data importer under Clause 14(e).
The data importer agrees to document its legal assessment and any challenge to the request for disclosure and, to the extent permissible under the laws of the country of destination, make the documentation available to the data exporter. It shall also make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request. The data exporter shall make the assessment available to the controller.
The data importer agrees to provide the minimum amount of information permissible when responding to a request for disclosure, based on a reasonable interpretation of the request.
Clause 16
Non-compliance with the Clauses and termination
The data importer shall promptly inform the data exporter if it is unable to comply with these Clauses, for whatever reason.
In the event that the data importer is in breach of these Clauses or unable to comply with these Clauses, the data exporter shall suspend the transfer of personal data to the data importer until compliance is again ensured or the contract is terminated. This is without prejudice to Clause 14(f).
The data exporter shall be entitled to terminate the contract, insofar as it concerns the processing of personal data under these Clauses, where:
In these cases, it shall inform the competent supervisory authority and the controller of such non-compliance. Where the contract involves more than two Parties, the data exporter may exercise this right to termination only with respect to the relevant Party, unless the Parties have agreed otherwise.
Personal data that has been transferred prior to the termination of the contract pursuant to paragraph (c) shall at the choice of the data exporter immediately be returned to the data exporter or deleted in its entirety. The same shall apply to any copies of the data. The data importer shall certify the deletion of the data to the data exporter. Until the data is deleted or returned, the data importer shall continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses. In case of local laws applicable to the data importer that prohibit the return or deletion of the transferred personal data, the data importer warrants that it will continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses and will only process the data to the extent and for as long as required under that local law.
Either Party may revoke its agreement to be bound by these Clauses where (i) the European Commission adopts a decision pursuant to Article 45(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the transfer of personal data to which these Clauses apply; or (ii) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 becomes part of the legal framework of the country to which the personal data is transferred. This is without prejudice to other obligations applying to the processing in question under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 17
Governing law
These Clauses shall be governed by the law of one of the EU Member States, provided such law allows for third-party beneficiary rights. The Parties agree that this shall be the law of Ireland (specify Member State).
Clause 18
Choice of forum and jurisdiction
Any dispute arising from these Clauses shall be resolved by the courts of an EU Member State.
The Parties agree that those shall be the courts of Ireland (specify Member State).
A data subject may also bring legal proceedings against the data exporter and/or data importer before the courts of the Member State in which he/she has his/her habitual residence.
The Parties agree to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of such courts.
Appendix 1 to the Standard Contractual Clauses
The contents of Sub-appendix A to the DPA shall also form Appendix 1 to these Clauses.
Appendix 2 to the Standard Contractual Clauses
The contents of Section 10 of the Terms of Service shall also form Appendix 2 to these Clauses.
Where the data exporter is a processor subject to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 acting on behalf of a Union institution or body as controller, reliance on these Clauses when engaging another processor (sub-processing) not subject to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 also ensures compliance with Article 29(4) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39), to the extent these Clauses and the data protection obligations as set out in the contract or other legal act between the controller and the processor pursuant to Article 29(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 are aligned. This will in particular be the case where the controller and processor rely on the standard contractual clauses included in Decision 2021/915. ↩︎
See Article 28(4) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and, where the controller is an EU institution or body, Article 29(4) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725. ↩︎
The Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement) provides for the extension of the European Union’s internal market to the three EEA States Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The Union data protection legislation, including Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is covered by the EEA Agreement and has been incorporated into Annex XI thereto. Therefore, any disclosure by the data importer to a third party located in the EEA does not qualify as an onward transfer for the purposes of these Clauses. ↩︎
This requirement may be satisfied by the sub-processor acceding to these Clauses under the appropriate Module, in accordance with Clause 7. ↩︎
As regards the impact of such laws and practices on compliance with these Clauses, different elements may be considered as part of an overall assessment. Such elements may include relevant and documented practical experience with prior instances of requests for disclosure from public authorities, or the absence of such requests, covering a sufficiently representative time-frame. This refers in particular to internal records or other documentation, drawn up on a continuous basis in accordance with due diligence and certified at senior management level, provided that this information can be lawfully shared with third parties. Where this practical experience is relied upon to conclude that the data importer will not be prevented from complying with these Clauses, it needs to be supported by other relevant, objective elements, and it is for the Parties to consider carefully whether these elements together carry sufficient weight, in terms of their reliability and representativeness, to support this conclusion. In particular, the Parties have to take into account whether their practical experience is corroborated and not contradicted by publicly available or otherwise accessible, reliable information on the existence or absence of requests within the same sector and/or the application of the law in practice, such as case law and reports by independent oversight bodies. ↩︎
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