What they do

A DPO gives advice on data protection issues, checks that policies are being followed, and speaks to regulators like the ICO when needed. They may also oversee privacy impact assessment (PIA) tools and data subject access requests (DSAR) management. They also help reduce risks by making sure the organisation knows how to handle data correctly.

Challenges

The biggest challenge for a DPO is making sure an organisation takes data protection seriously. Many companies see it as just another box to tick rather than something that needs real attention. They also have to keep up with changing laws and regulations while sometimes facing resistance from within their own organisation.

Why they matter

A good DPO helps organisations avoid fines and keeps customer trust intact. They make sure personal data is handled properly, reducing the risk of data breaches and legal trouble.