What role does a Data Controller play in privacy practices?

The role of a Data Controller is fundamentally about governance and decision-making regarding personal data. Specifically, the Data Controller is responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing personal information. This means that the Data Controller not only decides what data is collected but also how it is used, stored, and shared.

In the context of privacy practices, the Data Controller's decisions are crucial as they directly impact individuals’ privacy rights. They are tasked with ensuring compliance with applicable data protection laws, establishing policies that safeguard personal data, and determining how data subjects are informed about their rights.

Other roles mentioned, such as conducting audits or representing individuals before regulators, do not encompass the primary responsibilities of a Data Controller, which focuses chiefly on the direction and rationale behind data processing activities. Additionally, while technical handling is vital for data processing, it falls under the responsibilities typically associated with Data Processors, not Data Controllers. Thus, the correct understanding of a Data Controller's role centers on the decision-making authority regarding data use and purpose.