# Data Ownership

Data ownership refers to who has legal ownership of the data. In the cloud computing perspective, roles are assumed to handle data ownership responsibilities.

**Data Owner**

Refers to the that has collected or created the data. From an organization perspective, data ownership is assigned to specific individuals who have rights & responsibilities of the data. This may include Department Heads or Business Unit Managers whom have collected or created a dataset. From a cloud computing perspective, the customer is the owner of the data

**Data Custodian**

Refers to a person or entity that is given the mandate to maintain & administer the data. 
The data custodian is also responsible of administering adequate security controls & processes as directed by the data owner. An example of a data custodian is a database administrator.

**Data Processor**

Refers to a person or organization who manipulates, stores or moves data on behalf of the data owner. Data processing may include copying, printing, destroying & utilizing. From an international law perspective, the cloud provider is a data processor.