GDPR checklist for social media tools.
Social media tools connect to your accounts and store messages, comments and profile data of the people who interact with you. Compare 11 common tools and see what to check for each.
Compared at a glance
| Tool | Usual role | Data location | Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|
 Hootsuite | Usually a processor | Set per account or project | Published by the vendor |
 Buffer | Usually a processor | Often United States, check your account | Obtained through the vendor |
 Sprout Social | Usually a processor | Set per account or project | Published by the vendor |
 Agorapulse | Usually a processor | Set per account or project | Obtained through the vendor |
 Metricool | Usually a processor | Set per account or project | Obtained through the vendor |
 Planable | Usually a processor | Set per account or project | Published by the vendor |
 SocialPilot | Usually a processor | Set per account or project | Published by the vendor |
 Loomly | Usually a processor | Set per account or project | Published by the vendor |
 Brandwatch | Depends on the activity | Often USA, Belgium and UK, check your account | Obtained through the vendor |
 Meltwater | Usually a processor | Set per account or project | Published by the vendor |
 Cision | Depends on the activity | Set per account or project | Published by the vendor |
What to check for social media tools
- Review which social accounts are connected and who in your team can access them.
- Limit monitoring of individuals to what you need, and avoid building profiles.
- Check how long messages and reports are kept.
- Record the region and any transfer outside the EEA.
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Questions, answered.
What should I check before using a social media tool under the GDPR?
Review which social accounts are connected and who in your team can access them. Limit monitoring of individuals to what you need, and avoid building profiles. Check how long messages and reports are kept. Record the region and any transfer outside the EEA.
Do I need a data processing agreement with a social media provider?
If the provider handles personal data on your behalf, yes: Article 28 of the GDPR requires a written contract. Some providers publish the text, others give it to you inside your account. Providers that decide their own purposes may act as independent controllers instead, so check the role.
Which social media tools does Privacyboard cover?
Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social, Agorapulse, Metricool, Planable, SocialPilot, Loomly, Brandwatch, Meltwater, Cision. Each has a page with its agreement, usual role and data location, checked on 1 November 2026.
Other categories
Privacyboard is not affiliated with these vendors. Checked on 1 November 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice.