This provision formally designates Google as a data processor and Customer as the controller or processor of Customer Personal Data for all Google Ads services covered by the agreement, with each party required to comply with applicable data protection law.
This analysis describes what Google Ads's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes the foundational legal relationship under GDPR Article 28, determining the allocation of data protection obligations between Google and the Customer and forming the basis for all downstream provisions regarding Instructions, security, deletion, and subprocessor engagement.
This provision establishes that advertisers using Google Ads services retain controller or processor status over the personal data they supply, which means they bear the associated data protection obligations under applicable law, including lawful basis requirements, data subject rights fulfilment, and breach notification to regulators.
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Compare across platforms →"The parties acknowledge and agree that: (a) Appendix 1 describes the subject matter and details of the processing of Customer Personal Data; (b) Google is a processor of Customer Personal Data; (c) Customer is a controller or processor, as applicable, of Customer Personal Data; and (d) each party will comply with the obligations applicable to it under Applicable Data Protection Legislation with respect to the processing of Customer Personal Data.Excerpt from Google Ads's Data Processing Terms
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision directly engages GDPR Article 28, which requires a written contract governing processor activities, and equivalent provisions under the UK GDPR, Swiss FDPA, LGPD, and applicable US State Privacy Laws.
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This provision establishes the foundational legal relationship under GDPR Article 28, determining the allocation of data protection obligations between Google and the Customer and forming the basis for all downstream provisions regarding Instructions, security, deletion, and subprocessor engagement.
This provision establishes that advertisers using Google Ads services retain controller or processor status over the personal data they supply, which means they bear the associated data protection obligations under applicable law, including lawful basis requirements, data subject rights fulfilment, and breach notification to regulators.
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