YouTube Joint Controller Agreement: What You Need to Know
As the largest video-sharing platform in the world, it is no wonder that YouTube is subject to various laws and regulations. One of the latest legal requirements that Google-owned company needs to comply with is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
GDPR is a privacy regulation that provides EU citizens with control over their personal data. The regulation stipulates that any organization processing this type of information must have a legal basis for doing so and obtain consent from the data subjects.
Recently, YouTube announced that it had updated its Terms of Service to incorporate the GDPR guidelines, including a feature called the “Joint Controller Agreement.”
What is the Joint Controller Agreement?
The Google-owned company sees the Joint Controller Agreement as a legal framework that aligns its operations with the GDPR requirements. YouTube acts as the data controller when it comes to the personal data that it collects from users on the platform. The joint controller agreement is meant to clarify who else is also responsible for some data processing activities that take place on the platform.
According to YouTube, the Joint Controller Agreement is required when there are “multiple parties involved in processing data” and “where two or more parties jointly determine the purposes and means of processing.”
What Does the Joint Controller Agreement Mean for YouTube Users?
The Joint Controller Agreement means that YouTube is not solely responsible for processing personal data on the platform. This provision has been put in place in recognition of the fact that many YouTube channels run by individuals or organizations use the platform for marketing purposes.
This means that if you are a data controller on YouTube—for example, if you run a YouTube channel—you may be held liable for any GDPR violations that occur on your channels.
To make it clear, YouTube has provided guidance on how Joint Controllers can fulfill their obligations under GDPR. YouTube data controllers must:
– Provide users with clear and concise information about the types of personal data that they will be sharing with other controllers when users interact with their channels.
– Obtain explicit consent from users before sharing their data with other controllers.
– Ensure that each joint controller has an agreement in place that meets GDPR`s requirements.
What Happens If You Don`t Comply?
Failure to comply with the GDPR can lead to financial penalties, legal action, and reputational damage for YouTube channels. The size of the fine that may be slapped on a channel depends on the severity and duration of the infringement as well as the intentions and transparency of the guilty party.
Conclusion
The YouTube Joint Controller Agreement is designed to ensure that the platform`s users are protected under the GDPR. The agreement is meant to clarify responsibilities in cases where there are multiple parties involved in processing data on the platform. If you run a YouTube channel, you should be aware of the GDPR`s requirements and take steps to ensure compliance to avoid penalties.