Data Protection Officer (DPO): roles and responsibilities for GDPR compliance

The Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a key figure responsible for ensuring data protection compliance in businesses and organizations as required by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This role, mandatory in specific cases since the GDPR’s enactment, is critical in overseeing the secure and lawful handling of personal data.

The DPO may either be an internal employee or an external consultant; however, they must possess a solid understanding of data protection law and regulatory practices.

When is it mandatory to appoint a Data Protection Officer?

Article 37 of the GDPR specifies cases in which appointing a Data Protection Officer is mandatory:

• When a public authority or body processes data.
• When the data controller or processor engages in systematic and large-scale monitoring of data subjects.
• When the processing occurs on a large scale and includes special categories of data or information related to criminal convictions and offenses.

Key functions of the Data Protection Officer

The Data Protection Officer’s functions include:

• Supervising and ensuring GDPR compliance within the organization.
• Informing and advising the company and its employees on their data protection obligations.
• Cooperating with regulatory authorities, acting as the primary point of contact between the organization and supervisory authorities.
• Reporting data breaches to management and recommending corrective measures.
• Collaborating in the development and execution of data protection impact assessments.

Letslaw’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) services

At Letslaw, we offer professional Data Protection Officer (DPO) services to companies seeking to meet GDPR requirements. Our team of specialized data protection lawyers brings extensive experience and expertise in privacy legislation and regulations.

Our DPO services include:

• Advising organizations, institutions, businesses or corporations on privacy and data protection compliance.
• Providing information and advice to data processors and employees with data access on their obligations under the GDPR.
• Overseeing the implementation and enforcement of corporate data protection policies.
• Monitoring the implementation and application of data security and protection regulations.
• Assigning responsibilities and training staff involved in data processing operations.
• Advising on data protection impact assessments.
• Cooperating with supervisory authorities.
• Responding to AEPD requests.
• Communicating on behalf of the DPO with relevant supervisory authorities.