# What is a Data Processing Agreement (DPA)?

DevFeed: [What is a Data Processing Agreement (DPA)?](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/what-is-a-data-processing-agreement-dpa-31199.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://tailscale.com/learn/what-is-a-data-processing-agreement>)

Published: 2025-03-04T22:53:17Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Learn on Tailscale](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/learn-on-tailscale.md>)

Topics: [data-processing](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/data-processing.md>), [data](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/data.md>)

Tags: [compliance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/compliance.md>), [data-processing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/data-processing.md>), [data-protection](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/data-protection.md>), [dpa](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dpa.md>), [gdpr](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/gdpr.md>), [legal](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/legal.md>)

## AI overview

A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is a legally binding contract between a data controller and a data processor. It defines responsibilities for handling personal data, supports compliance with GDPR and other regulations, and is required when processing is outsourced to an external service provider.

## Source excerpt

A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) defines how personal data is handled to make sure compliance is met and data protection laws are followed.