Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Accountability Agreement
I need an accountability agreement that outlines the responsibilities and expectations between two parties in a collaborative project, including clear deliverables, timelines, and consequences for non-compliance. The agreement should also include a mechanism for regular progress reviews and adjustments as needed.
What is an Accountability Agreement?
An Accountability Agreement sets clear rules for how different parties handle personal data together under Austrian data protection law. It's commonly used when multiple organizations share responsibility for processing data, spelling out exactly who does what and who's liable if something goes wrong.
These agreements are crucial for Austrian businesses working with partners or service providers, especially under the GDPR (Datenschutz-Grundverordnung). They outline specific duties, security measures, and response procedures for data breaches. Companies use them to show regulators they're taking concrete steps to protect personal information and meet their legal obligations.
When should you use an Accountability Agreement?
Use an Accountability Agreement when your organization shares data processing responsibilities with other companies in Austria. This is especially important for joint marketing campaigns, shared customer databases, or when multiple entities handle sensitive information together under Austrian data protection laws.
The agreement becomes essential before starting any joint data processing activities, particularly when dealing with personal information across different departments or organizations. Austrian regulators expect to see these agreements in place during audits, and they're vital for proving compliance with GDPR requirements. Having one ready helps avoid costly penalties and establishes clear responsibilities if data breaches occur.
What are the different types of Accountability Agreement?
- Basic Data Processing: The simplest form used between two parties sharing basic customer information, outlining fundamental GDPR compliance measures
- Multi-Party Framework: Designed for complex situations involving three or more organizations, with detailed protocols for data sharing and breach responses
- Industry-Specific Agreements: Tailored versions for healthcare, finance, or tech sectors, incorporating sector-specific Austrian regulatory requirements
- Joint Controller Agreement: Used when multiple parties jointly determine data processing purposes, with equal responsibility under Austrian law
- Cross-Border Variation: Enhanced agreements for handling data transfers outside Austria, with additional safeguards for international data flows
Who should typically use an Accountability Agreement?
- Data Controllers: Organizations that determine how and why personal data is processed, responsible for initiating and maintaining Accountability Agreements
- Legal Departments: In-house lawyers who draft and review these agreements to ensure compliance with Austrian data protection laws
- Data Protection Officers: Specialists who oversee implementation and monitor ongoing compliance with agreement terms
- IT Managers: Technical staff responsible for implementing the security measures outlined in the agreement
- External Auditors: Independent professionals who verify compliance and report on adherence to agreement terms
How do you write an Accountability Agreement?
- Data Mapping: Document all types of personal data being processed, including storage locations and transfer routes
- Party Details: Gather full legal names, registration numbers, and authorized representatives of all involved organizations
- Processing Activities: List specific data processing operations, their purposes, and duration
- Security Measures: Detail technical and organizational safeguards for protecting data under Austrian standards
- Breach Procedures: Outline notification protocols and response timelines for data incidents
- Compliance Check: Review against current Austrian GDPR requirements using our platform's automated validation tools
What should be included in an Accountability Agreement?
- Party Identification: Full legal names, addresses, and registration details of all involved organizations
- Purpose Definition: Clear description of data processing activities and their specific objectives
- Data Categories: Detailed list of personal data types being processed and shared
- Security Measures: Technical and organizational safeguards meeting Austrian GDPR standards
- Breach Protocol: Procedures for handling and reporting data incidents within legal timeframes
- Liability Distribution: Clear allocation of responsibilities and consequences for non-compliance
- Duration Terms: Agreement validity period and conditions for termination or modification
What's the difference between an Accountability Agreement and an Agency Agreement?
An Accountability Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in both scope and purpose within Austrian law. While both involve relationships between organizations, their core functions serve different business needs.
- Primary Purpose: Accountability Agreements focus on data protection responsibilities and GDPR compliance, while Agency Agreements establish representation rights and commercial duties
- Legal Framework: Accountability Agreements operate under Austrian data protection law and GDPR, whereas Agency Agreements fall under commercial and contract law
- Liability Structure: In Accountability Agreements, parties share data protection responsibilities and breach consequences. Agency Agreements define principal-agent obligations and commission structures
- Duration and Flexibility: Accountability Agreements typically remain active as long as data processing continues, while Agency Agreements often have fixed terms with specific performance metrics
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.