Data Protection Officer (DPO)

The data protection officer (DPO) is the person responsible for ensuring that an organization handles personal data in line with the law, especially the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. Their role is to advise on legal obligations, monitor compliance, train staff and serve as the contact point both for the supervisory authority and for the people whose data is processed. They act independently and must not be told how to carry out their tasks, so they can flag breaches without pressure. The GDPR makes the role mandatory for many organizations, such as public authorities or those that process sensitive data on a large scale. The position combines legal knowledge with a good understanding of the organization’s technology and processes. Its importance has grown considerably since the GDPR came into force.