Who needs data protection officer? What are the roles and responsibilities of this officer? If you want to be one, this article can give you tips on how to get this job.
Who Needs Data Protection Officer?
A lot of industries today need a data protection officer. Firstly, banks and financial institutions must have one. The European Union requires all banks and financial institutions to appoint a data protection officer (DPO) who will be responsible for handling all the privacy aspects.
Moreover, all companies that process the personal data of employees and other individuals in the employment relationship, must have one. The DPO is a person who handles all the data protection aspects. Such as compliance with privacy laws, information security, and data protection within the company.
It is important to note that this officer does not replace the existing privacy officer, but is just an extension of it. This new position will further strengthen the privacy compliance system within the company. Then, the main role of this officer is to be accountable for the company’s compliance with privacy law. As well as protect and promote the rights of the individuals.
The DPO should have legal qualifications and expertise in privacy laws. Additionally, he/she should be able to communicate with various levels of staff within the organization. So that he/she can effectively execute this position.
Then, the DPO has responsibility for data protection in all processes that involve processing personal information. And then protect it from unauthorized access. He/She will be working closely with other company departments. Such as the IT department and management team to ensure that data processing is carried out properly and securely.
What are the Roles & Responsibilities of a Data Protection Officer?
According to article 37 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), there are responsibilities for DPO which are listed below:
- Ensuring that policies are in place for effective management of personal data;
- Next, monitoring compliance with said policies;
- Managing requests from individuals regarding their data;
- Then, managing requests from authorities regarding personal data;
- Handling any complaints about breaches in regards to personal data;
- Further, reporting directly to the organization’s highest level management on any issues related to data protection or security breaches;
- Implementing measures to protect personal data when it’s being processed;
- Also, conducting internal audits on data processing activities;
- Supervising the implementation of measures designed by the supervisory authority;
- Report directly or indirectly to the highest management level regarding the implementation of monitoring reports, and advice is given by the supervisory authority. And any other relevant issue related to the implementation of GDPR (this also applies if an organization has several establishments in the different EU Member States).
How to Be a DPO
If you want to be a DPO, you first need to have good experience in the field of privacy and data protection. The best way to get experience is to work as a privacy consultant, consultant, or officer in IT management. You need to have a good knowledge of privacy laws and regulations.
Then, you need to understand the basic concepts of data protection management and information security as well. Finally, you must have good knowledge of IT management, analysis, and implementation of IT management standards.