Data Protection Officer (DPO)
A designated role within an organization responsible for overseeing data protection strategy and GDPR compliance. Under GDPR, certain organizations are required to appoint a DPO, particularly public bodies and organizations that process sensitive data at scale.
The Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a key governance role established by GDPR. The DPO acts as an independent advisor within the organization, responsible for monitoring compliance with data protection regulations, advising on data protection impact assessments, cooperating with supervisory authorities, and serving as the contact point for data subjects.
GDPR mandates DPO appointment for public authorities, organizations whose core activities require regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects at scale, and organizations processing special categories of personal data at scale. In Germany, the BDSG (Federal Data Protection Act) extends this requirement to organizations with 20 or more employees regularly engaged in automated personal data processing.
The DPO must have expert knowledge of data protection law and practices, must be independent (cannot receive instructions regarding the exercise of their tasks), and must report directly to the highest management level. Organizations can appoint an internal DPO or engage an external DPO service.
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View framework pageRelated Terms
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
The EU regulation governing the processing of personal data of individuals within the European Economic Area. GDPR establishes strict rules for data collection, storage, processing, and transfer, with penalties of up to 4% of annual global turnover for violations.
DPIA (Data Protection Impact Assessment)
A process designed to systematically analyze, identify, and minimize data protection risks of a project or plan. DPIAs are required under GDPR Article 35 when data processing is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals.
Data Processing Agreement (DPA)
A legally binding contract between a data controller and data processor that governs the processing of personal data. Required by GDPR Article 28, a DPA specifies the scope, purpose, and duration of processing, as well as the obligations of each party.
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