Privacy

DPO

Data Protection Officer — an independent expert responsible for monitoring an organisation's data protection compliance.

A Data Protection Officer (DPO) is an independent role within an organisation responsible for overseeing data protection strategy and compliance with data protection laws.

When a DPO Is Required

A DPO must be appointed when:

  • The processing is carried out by a public authority
  • Core activities involve regular and systematic monitoring of individuals at large scale
  • Core activities involve large-scale processing of sensitive data

Key Responsibilities

  • Inform and advise the organisation on data protection obligations
  • Monitor compliance with the GDPR and internal policies
  • Advise on DPIAs
  • Act as the contact point for the supervisory authority
  • Act as the contact point for data subjects

Independence

The DPO must be able to operate independently — they cannot be dismissed or penalised for performing their tasks, and must report to the highest level of management.

GDPR Articles 37–39.

Related Terms

Data SubjectPrivacy

The identified or identifiable person whose personal data is being processed.

DPIAPrivacy

Data Protection Impact Assessment — a risk assessment required before high-risk data processing activities.

GDPRLegal

The General Data Protection Regulation — the EU's comprehensive data protection law, effective since May 2018.

Supervisory AuthorityLegal

An independent public authority responsible for monitoring the application of data protection law in its jurisdiction.

DPIAData Breach