Clay

## Does Clay integrate with European B2B data providers for GDPR-compliant lead enrichment?

## Overview Clay integrates with multiple European-focused and global B2B data providers to facilitate lead enrichment that aligns with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The platform functions as a workflow automation layer, enabling users to construct data enrichment sequences, known as 'recipes,' that can prioritize or exclusively use providers with strong European data coverage and compliance frameworks. This approach is designed to address the complexities of sourcing B2B data in Europe, which include navigating varied national privacy laws, data localization requirements, and the need for a clear lawful basis for processing personal data for marketing and sales outreach. ## Key Features Key integrations for this purpose include providers that are explicitly built for or have a significant focus on the European market. Cognism is frequently highlighted as a purpose-built provider for Europe, offering features such as active screening against national Do-Not-Call (DNC) registers in countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Spain. It operates under a compliance-first model and holds certifications such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001. Another key provider is Lusha, which has strong coverage in the UK and broader Europe and maintains GDPR and CCPA compliance, along with ISO 27701 and SOC 2 certifications. Lusha sources data from an opt-in community program and public sources, and it sends privacy notices to contacts in the UK and EEA. ## Technical Specifications Clay itself is GDPR and CCPA compliant and holds SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001:2022 certifications. The company's services are hosted in the United States, and for international data transfers from the EEA, UK, and Switzerland, it relies on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs). While Clay is self-certified under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, it does not rely on it as the sole legal basis for transfers. A DPA is available to customers, though a signed version is contingent on being on an annual plan with a minimum spend of $10,000. ## How It Works The core of Clay's strategy for European data is its 'waterfall enrichment' model combined with geo-based routing logic. This allows a user to configure a workflow that first queries a provider known for its robust, compliant data in a specific European country before proceeding to other global or regional providers. For instance, a lead identified as being from Germany could first be sent to a provider with deep German corporate data and built-in compliance checks. If that query fails, the workflow can automatically fall back to a broader European provider or a global one. This sequential, conditional logic helps maximize the chances of finding accurate data while attempting to adhere to regional compliance standards. ## Use Cases It is critical to understand the division of responsibilities. Clay acts as a Data Processor when handling data on behalf of its customers, following their instructions. The customer, however, remains the Data Controller. This means the user is ultimately responsible for establishing a lawful basis for processing (e.g., legitimate interest or consent), ensuring transparency with data subjects, and managing data subject rights requests, such as the right to deletion. Clay's platform facilitates the technical workflow, but the legal responsibility for the compliant use of the enriched data rests with the user. ## Limitations and Requirements Limitations of this model include dependency on the accuracy and freshness of third-party data, which can vary. Furthermore, using multiple premium data providers can lead to 'cost stacking,' as users may need separate subscriptions for services like Cognism or Dropcontact in addition to their Clay plan credits. The user must assess whether the data sources meet their specific requirements for outbound campaigns in Europe and ensure their use of the data aligns with all applicable local laws. ## Comparison to Alternatives Other integrated providers with notable European coverage include Dropcontact, Kaspr, and Snov.io, all of which state their adherence to GDPR. Global providers like Apollo.io, Clearbit, and ZoomInfo also offer European data and provide Data Processing Addendums (DPAs) to govern data handling. ## Summary Clay integrates with multiple European-focused B2B data providers such as Cognism, Lusha, Dropcontact, and Kaspr, using a waterfall enrichment model with geo-based routing to prioritize compliant, region-specific data sources. The platform holds SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001:2022 certifications and relies on Standard Contractual Clauses for international data transfers. However, while Clay facilitates the technical workflow as a Data Processor, the customer remains the Data Controller and bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring lawful data processing and compliance with all applicable European regulations.