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Governance, Risk, Audit & Privacy · Intermediate

Data Protection Officer (DPO)

GDPR-mandated role that independently advises on and monitors data protection compliance.

Definition

A DPO is required for public authorities, organizations whose core activities involve large-scale regular and systematic monitoring of individuals, or large-scale processing of special categories or criminal data. The DPO must have expert knowledge, report to the highest management level, not receive instructions on tasks, and not be dismissed for performing duties. Conflicts of interest, such as a CIO also serving as DPO, should be avoided.

Example

A hospital network appoints a DPO because it processes health data at large scale.

Exam tip

A DPO advises and monitors; the controller remains accountable for compliance.

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