Provision record
OpenAI · OpenAI API Data Usage Policies [RETIRED: redirects to /enterprise-privacy/ (CA-D-000825)] · View original document ↗

GDPR Compliance and Data Processing Addendum

Medium severity Medium confidence Explicit document language Common · 290 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The document states that OpenAI offers a Data Processing Addendum incorporating Standard Contractual Clauses to support GDPR compliance for customers processing EU personal data through the API or ChatGPT Enterprise.

This analysis describes what OpenAI'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

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision establishes the contractual mechanism for GDPR Article 28 processor compliance and cross-border data transfer requirements for EU/EEA customers, and is the operative instrument for organizations with EU data protection obligations using OpenAI services.

Interpretive note: The binding obligations and specific terms of the DPA are not reproduced on this page; compliance verification requires review of the current DPA document separately.

Recent Activity

This document changed recently

Medium Jul 16, 2026

The updated policy now states that workspace admins 'can control' data retention rather than 'control' it, introducing subtle ambiguity about whether retention control is a guaranteed right or a permitted option. Additionally, the removal of the word 'workspace' before 'data' broadens the scope of data potentially subject to admin control beyond workspace-specific information. These changes could affect how enterprise customers understand the extent of their administrative authority over data retention practices.

View change record →
Medium May 28, 2026

The updated terms establish that workspace admins, rather than individual end users, control how long workspace conversation data is retained and authorize admins to view, access, export, and delete end user conversations. Previously, the policy stated that each user controlled whether their conversations were retained and that only end users could view their own conversations. The revised terms also permit OpenAI to retain deleted or unsaved conversations beyond the standard 30-day deletion window if retention is required by law or reasonably necessary to protect OpenAI's services or third parties from harm. Workspace users should review their organization's data governance policies to understand what access and retention practices their admins have implemented.

View change record →

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
3
Months Monitored
May 20, 2026
First Seen
May 22, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 5149 other provisions on other platforms.

Change history

added May 24, 2026

This new provision explicitly commits to GDPR compliance infrastructure with concrete mechanisms (DPA and SCCs), addressing EU data protection regulatory requirements.

View full change record →

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

EU-based organizations and those processing EU personal data through OpenAI's enterprise or API tiers can execute a Data Processing Addendum that incorporates Standard Contractual Clauses, providing the contractual basis for lawful cross-border data transfers under GDPR.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Delete Your Data
    Contact OpenAI at privacy@openai.com to request execution of the Data Processing Addendum for GDPR compliance or to submit data subject rights requests on behalf of EU users.

How other platforms handle this

Square Medium

to request that your data be transferred to a third party (data portability)

Google Cloud Medium

Your organization may allow you to access and export your data in order to back it up or transfer it to a service outside of Google.

Roblox Medium

Further, you may take legal actions in relation to any potential breach of your rights regarding the processing of your Personal Information, as well as to lodge complaints before the competent data prot...

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
We support GDPR compliance. We offer a Data Processing Addendum (DPA) to our customers and Standard Contractual Clauses for data transfers from the EU.

Excerpt from OpenAI's API Data Usage Policies [RETIRED: redirects to /enterprise-privacy/ (CA-D-000825)]

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision directly engages GDPR Articles 28 (processor contracts), 46 (transfers to third countries), and Chapter V transfer mechanisms.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • State Attorney General
    State AGs in California, New York, Texas, and other states can investigate violations of state consumer protection and privacy laws, including CCPA (California), SHIELD Act (New York), and equivalents.
    Who can file: Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws — primarily California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah
    What you need: Evidence of the violation, explanation of how your state rights were affected, and your account or contact information with the company
    What to expect: Outcomes vary by state. May result in investigation, enforcement action, or requirement for the company to change practices. No direct individual compensation in most cases.

    Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form

Applicable regulations

EU AI Act
European Union
BIPA
Illinois, USA
CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
Colorado AI Act
US-CO
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
CAN-SPAM
United States Federal
EU AI Act - High Risk Provisions
EU
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
UK GDPR
United Kingdom
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
OpenAI API Data Usage Policies [RETIRED: redirects to /enterprise-privacy/ (CA-D-000825)]
Entity
OpenAI
Document last updated
May 12, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 20, 2026
Last verified
May 20, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-012353
Document ID
CA-D-00789
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
f5f3edcc42f48d0b6fa827e4876b407a056ca5693555490866c30a33809d5c2a
Analysis generated
May 20, 2026 20:24 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: OpenAI
Document: OpenAI API Data Usage Policies [RETIRED: redirects to /enterprise-privacy/ (CA-D-000825)]
Record ID: CA-P-012353
Captured: 2026-05-20 20:24:04 UTC
SHA-256: f5f3edcc42f48d0b…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/openai/openai-api-data-usage-policies-retired-redirects-to-enterprise-privacy-ca-d-000825/provision/CA-P-012353/gdpr-compliance-and-data-processing-addendum/
Accessed: Sept. 8, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does OpenAI's GDPR Compliance and Data Processing Addendum clause do?

This provision establishes the contractual mechanism for GDPR Article 28 processor compliance and cross-border data transfer requirements for EU/EEA customers, and is the operative instrument for organizations with EU data protection obligations using OpenAI services.

How does this clause affect you?

EU-based organizations and those processing EU personal data through OpenAI's enterprise or API tiers can execute a Data Processing Addendum that incorporates Standard Contractual Clauses, providing the contractual basis for lawful cross-border data transfers under GDPR.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 290 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with OpenAI?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by OpenAI.