Data sharing agreements and partnerships

When organisations share data, a clear agreement is what keeps it safe and lawful. This guide covers what data sharing agreements should contain and how to structure data partnerships.

Available across the EU. DataSupplier sources and delivers this data in all 27 European Union countries — including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland — and across the EEA, in the format and cadence you need.

Why agreements matter

Data sharing without a clear agreement invites disputes over use, liability and compliance. A good agreement sets expectations so both parties can exchange data with confidence.

What an agreement should cover

• Purpose and scope: what data, for what use.
• Roles: controller, processor or joint controller.
• Security and privacy: safeguards and obligations.
• IP and rights: ownership and permitted derivatives.
• Liability and term: responsibilities and duration.

Roles and the GDPR

Where personal data is shared, the agreement must reflect data-protection roles and obligations, including transfers and breach handling. Getting roles right drives everything else.

Structuring partnerships

Beyond one-off sharing, ongoing partnerships need governance: change management, dispute resolution and review. Confidentiality clauses protect commercial relationships.

Standard terms

The EU has encouraged model contractual terms for data sharing, which can speed agreements while ensuring fairness, particularly relevant under the Data Act.

In a managed model

A managed partner can structure data sharing with clear agreements and keep counterpart identities confidential where appropriate.

Sources & further reading

• European Commission: model contractual terms for data sharing.
• EUR-Lex: Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 (Data Act).
• EUR-Lex: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR).
• ICO and EDPB: data-sharing guidance.