A person that processes personal data on behalf of a controller. The term identifies an entity that handles consumer information solely according to the controller's instructions and subject to contractual and statutory limits.
2
in constitutional law
An entity engaged in the processing of solid waste or other materials. The term identifies businesses whose operations are affected by state or local rules that favor in-state facilities over out-of-state competitors.
Sense 1
1
in data privacy law
A person that processes personal data on behalf of a controller. The term identifies an entity that handles consumer information solely according to the controller's instructions and subject to contractual and statutory limits.
Examples1
Data Processor Under Contract
Pacific Bank collects customer financial records and transmits them to Platinum Partners for storage and analysis. The service agreement states that Platinum Partners may use the data only as directed by Pacific Bank. When a consumer requests deletion, Platinum Partners must comply through Pacific Bank rather than acting independently.
2 common questions
Sense 2
2
in constitutional law
An entity engaged in the processing of solid waste or other materials. The term identifies businesses whose operations are affected by state or local rules that favor in-state facilities over out-of-state competitors.
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Examples
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10
Practice Questions5
Each sense below has its own examples, sources, and questions.
Students Frequently Ask...
What duties does a processor owe to a controller under privacy statutes?
A processor must process personal data only on documented instructions from the controller. It must implement appropriate security measures and assist the controller with consumer requests such as access or deletion.
Does a processor under a privacy statute have independent rights to use consumer data?
No. A processor may act only within the scope of the controller's instructions. Any use outside those instructions converts the processor into a controller and triggers additional compliance obligations.
1
Out-of-State Waste Processor Barred
Phoenix Technologies operates a waste-processing plant across the state line. A municipal ordinance requires all local solid waste to be delivered only to a designated in-state facility. Phoenix sues, claiming the ordinance blocks its access to the local market. The court holds the ordinance unconstitutional because it discriminates against interstate commerce by protecting the in-state processor.
1 common questions
Students Frequently Ask...
How does the Dormant Commerce Clause treat local processing requirements that favor in-state facilities?
A local rule that forces all waste generated inside the municipality to be processed at a designated in-state site discriminates against interstate commerce. Such a measure is invalid because it erects a protectionist barrier against out-of-state processors.
Supporting sources
EvidenceExceptions to the rule against hearsay · Hearsay exceptions—when the declarant is unavailable as a witnessNEXTGENFoundational