Data Controller vs. Data Steward

Attribute	Data Controller	Data Steward
Responsibilities	Responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing personal data	Responsible for managing and ensuring the quality of data within an organization
Legal obligations	Subject to legal obligations under data protection laws	May also have legal obligations related to data management and governance
Decision-making authority	Has decision-making authority over data processing activities	May have decision-making authority over data quality and governance processes
Accountability	Accountable for compliance with data protection laws	Accountable for data quality and governance within the organization

Data Controller

A data controller is an individual or entity that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data. They are responsible for ensuring that data processing activities comply with data protection laws and regulations. Data controllers have the authority to make decisions about how personal data is collected, used, and shared within an organization.

One key attribute of a data controller is their legal responsibility for data protection compliance. They must ensure that personal data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. Data controllers are also responsible for implementing appropriate security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Another important attribute of a data controller is their role in responding to data subject requests. Data controllers must facilitate data subject rights, such as the right to access, rectify, or erase personal data. They are also responsible for responding to data breaches and notifying the relevant authorities when necessary.

Data controllers often work closely with data processors, who are responsible for processing personal data on behalf of the controller. Data controllers must ensure that data processing agreements are in place with processors to outline the responsibilities of each party and ensure compliance with data protection laws.

In summary, data controllers play a crucial role in overseeing data processing activities, ensuring compliance with data protection laws, and protecting the rights of data subjects.

Data Steward

A data steward is an individual within an organization who is responsible for managing and maintaining data assets. Data stewards are tasked with ensuring the quality, integrity, and security of data within their organization. They work to define data standards, policies, and procedures to govern how data is collected, stored, and used.

One key attribute of a data steward is their focus on data quality. Data stewards are responsible for ensuring that data is accurate, complete, and consistent. They work to identify and resolve data quality issues, such as duplicates, errors, or inconsistencies, to ensure that data is reliable and trustworthy.

Another important attribute of a data steward is their role in data governance. Data stewards work to establish data governance frameworks and processes to ensure that data is managed effectively and in compliance with regulatory requirements. They collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to define data policies and standards.

Data stewards also play a key role in data lineage and metadata management. They work to document the flow of data within the organization, from its source to its destination, to ensure transparency and traceability. Data stewards also manage metadata, such as data definitions, classifications, and relationships, to facilitate data discovery and understanding.

In summary, data stewards are responsible for managing and maintaining data assets, ensuring data quality and integrity, and establishing data governance frameworks to govern how data is managed within an organization.

Comparing Attributes

While data controllers and data stewards have distinct roles and responsibilities within an organization, there are some key attributes that they share. Both data controllers and data stewards play a critical role in ensuring data protection and compliance with data privacy laws and regulations.

• Both data controllers and data stewards are responsible for managing and protecting personal data within their organization.
• They work to establish data governance frameworks and processes to govern how data is collected, stored, and used.
• They collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to define data policies and standards.
• They play a key role in ensuring data quality, integrity, and security within their organization.
• They work to establish data standards, policies, and procedures to ensure that data is managed effectively and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

While data controllers focus on overseeing data processing activities and ensuring compliance with data protection laws, data stewards focus on managing and maintaining data assets, ensuring data quality and integrity, and establishing data governance frameworks. Both roles are essential for effective data management and governance within an organization.