Compliance for agencies – made simple
Your clients are asking about GDPR, security certifications and AI regulations. We are here to support you with both software and personal service. Designed for advertising, online, marketing and consultancy agencies, so you can focus on your clients – rather than on outstanding compliance issues.
What compliance obligations do agencies have?
Legal obligations and customer requirements are not the same thing. This overview will help you get your bearings.
Agencies must process and protect personal data in accordance with the GDPR. Whether they act as a data processor depends on the specific nature of their activities.
Depending on your size, clients and services, you may also need to consider information security, AI obligations and whistleblower protection. ISO 27001 or TISAX are usually client requirements rather than a general legal obligation for every agency. What matters is what actually applies to your specific agency.
Doing good work is no longer enough to win a pitch.
Your clients aren't just buying campaigns and concepts. They want to know that their data, access and processes are in safe hands.
Four topics. One clear path for your agency.
You get software and personal service combined. We identify what you need – and support you with the implementation in your day-to-day operations.
Data Protection & GDPR
Data protection for agencies requires more than just templates. We create a structure that fits your tools, client projects and workflows.
- External Data Protection Officer
- Record of processing activities,Data processing agreements and TOMs
- DPIA and Data breach management
- Training and support with data subject requests
A DPO is generally required if at least 20 people are constantly involved in automated data processing (§ 38 BDSG). Other legal triggers may also apply.
Information security
Corporate clients will vet your security before working with you. We help you understand their requirements and build robust evidence to support them.
- ISMS implementation with Proliance InfoSec
- ISO 27001 gap analysis and preparation for ISO 27001 / TISAX®
- NIS2 consultancy and Executive training implement
ISO 27001 and TISAX are common customer requirements. NIS2 can be relevant directly or via customer contracts – the extent to which you are affected must be assessed.
AI governance
From text and images to analytics: AI tools are now an integral part of the workplace. We help you ensure their use is transparent and responsible.
- AI policy for your business
- Classifying your AI applications according to EU AI Act
- AI literacy training for employees
Obligations depend on the role and the specific AI application. AI literacy, transparency, and the handling of customer or personal data must be assessed separately.
Whistleblower protection
As your team grows, so does your workload. We act as your external reporting office and provide support in managing whistleblowing disclosures.
- Internal Set up an external reporting channel and operate
- Receive and process reports confidentially
- Manage deadlines and follow-up measures in a structured manner
- Document case handling in a transparent way
Companies with generally 50 or more employees are required to set up an internal reporting channel (Section 12 of the Whistleblower Protection Act). Special legal cases must be taken into account.
From the initial conversation to your agency's day-to-day operations.
Not just another folder gathering dust. But a structured path that your agency can follow.
Compliance that matters to you and works in practice
We create bespoke service packages tailored to your company size, processes, and goals. Together, we implement data protection, information security, whistleblower protection, and AI governance in a way that is legally compliant, clear, and practical for your day-to-day operations.
Clarify compliance. Create space for your agency to thrive.
Frequently asked questions about compliance for agencies
The most important answers regarding data protection, information security, AI and whistleblower protection – at a glance.
While certification is rarely a legal requirement for agencies, it is often demanded by corporate and automotive clients or serves as a straightforward way to complete security questionnaires. We will work with you to determine which standard best suits your client base and support you throughout the entire audit process.
The German NIS-2 Implementation Act has been in effect since 6 December 2025 and applies to companies of a certain size across 18 sectors. Agencies are generally not directly affected, but as service providers to affected clients, they may be contractually obligated to implement security measures. Proliance will assess your status and document the findings.
Companies using AI must ensure their employees possess sufficient AI literacy (Article 4 of the AI Act, in effect since 2 February 2025). This includes providing training, establishing clear internal policies, and meeting transparency obligations depending on the specific application. For agencies, it is particularly important not to input client data into unverified AI tools.
Generally required for organisations with 50 or more employees (Section 12 HinSchG). The reporting channel can also be outsourced to an external service provider. Failure to provide one may result in fines of up to 20,000 euros.
