Skip to content

Sub-processor

What is Sub-processor?

A third party engaged by a data processor to carry out specific processing activities on behalf of the data controller.

Privacy and Data Protection

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as sub-processor. The number is how many controls name both.

What the standards actually require on sub-processor

Requirements naming sub-processor across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

Tell the data owner which sub-processors will access their personal or sensitive data before that processing starts.

CCM-DSP-14 · Disclosure of Data Sub-processors

Engage processors only under written contract specifying confidentiality, security measures, and processing instructions; control sub-processor chain.

AM-DPA-07 · Processor and Sub-Processor Oversight

Questions people ask about sub-processor

What is Sub-processor?
A third party engaged by a data processor to carry out specific processing activities on behalf of the data controller.
Why is Sub-processor important for compliance?
Sub-processor is a key concept in Privacy and Data Protection. Understanding sub-processor helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Sub-processor?
Sub-processor appears in the requirement text of Jamaica Data Protection Act 2020, Japan AI Guidelines, Cloud Security Alliance Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) v4.0.1, Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act, Armenia Law on Protection of Personal Data (2015). Across these standards we have identified 16 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Sub-processor?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how sub-processor applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 686 frameworks.

See how Sub-processor applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.