Provision record
Smartsheet · Smartsheet Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Controller-Processor Distinction for Enterprise Data

High severity Medium confidence Inferred from context Common · 290 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The notice states that Smartsheet acts as a data controller for personal data collected through its website and marketing activities, and as a data processor for content and data submitted by enterprise customers through the platform, with the terms of processor activities governed by separate customer agreements.

This analysis describes what Smartsheet'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 determines the allocation of direct regulatory obligations between Smartsheet and its enterprise customers under GDPR and CCPA. Where Smartsheet acts as a processor, enterprise customers bear primary controller obligations for data subject rights fulfilment and breach notification, and must have Data Processing Agreements in place.

Interpretive note: The full text of the processor-specific terms is contained in separate customer agreements not reproduced in this notice, so the complete scope of processor obligations cannot be assessed from this document alone.

Recent Activity

This document changed recently

Medium Jun 5, 2026

The updated privacy policy states that only Smartsheet's U.S.-based affiliates participate in the EU-U.S., UK Extension, and Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. Previously, the policy referenced participation by Smartsheet and its affiliates without geographic qualification. This narrowed scope may affect the data transfer mechanisms available for processing personal data from EU, UK, and Swiss users if non-U.S. affiliates are involved in data handling. The policy does not explicitly describe alternative transfer mechanisms for non-U.S. affiliates.

View change record →

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
3
Months Monitored
May 21, 2026
First Seen
May 22, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 5149 other provisions on other platforms.

Change history

modified May 21, 2026

The provision was substantially rewritten from a specific explanation of processor/controller roles to a general introductory statement defining Smartsheet's identity and the layered structure of the privacy notice, and severity increased from medium to high.

View full change record →

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under this distinction, individual users whose data is submitted to the platform by an enterprise employer or client may need to direct data subject rights requests to the enterprise customer rather than directly to Smartsheet, depending on the applicable contractual and regulatory framework.

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
"
On our website, including www.smartsheet.com ("Site"), "we" (or "our," "us") refers to Smartsheet Inc. The Smartsheet Privacy Notice ("Privacy Notice") consists of this page and the specific notices which describe how we collect, use, and share personal data and explain your related rights and choices.

Excerpt from Smartsheet's Privacy Policy

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

1.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

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

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →
  • 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

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

Provision details

Document information
Document
Smartsheet Privacy Policy
Entity
Smartsheet
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 21, 2026
Last verified
May 21, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-013167
Document ID
CA-D-00712
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
d717d893d470babbacfab8ed42bd074a5a8061edd6082565059e2bf23c98555a
Analysis generated
May 21, 2026 05:48 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Smartsheet
Document: Smartsheet Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-013167
Captured: 2026-05-21 05:48:10 UTC
SHA-256: d717d893d470babb…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/smartsheet/smartsheet-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-013167/controller-processor-distinction-for-enterprise-data/
Accessed: Aug. 11, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Smartsheet's Controller-Processor Distinction for Enterprise Data clause do?

This provision determines the allocation of direct regulatory obligations between Smartsheet and its enterprise customers under GDPR and CCPA. Where Smartsheet acts as a processor, enterprise customers bear primary controller obligations for data subject rights fulfilment and breach notification, and must have Data Processing Agreements in place.

How does this clause affect you?

Under this distinction, individual users whose data is submitted to the platform by an enterprise employer or client may need to direct data subject rights requests to the enterprise customer rather than directly to Smartsheet, depending on the applicable contractual and regulatory framework.

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 Smartsheet?

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