OneTrust Certified Privacy Professional Practice Exam

Is the appointment of a Data Protection Officer mandatory for all organizations under GDPR?

1. Yes, for all organizations

2. No, it is only mandatory for large corporations

3. No, it is not mandatory for all organizations

4. Only in healthcare sectors

The correct answer is: No, it is not mandatory for all organizations

The appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is not mandatory for all organizations, which makes this the correct answer. According to GDPR, only certain categories of organizations are required to appoint a DPO. Specifically, a DPO is mandated for public authorities, organizations that engage in large scale systematic monitoring of individuals, or organizations that process large amounts of sensitive personal data. This means that smaller organizations or those that do not meet these criteria are not obligated to appoint a DPO. This nuanced approach acknowledges the varying degrees of risk associated with different types of data processing and allows organizations the flexibility to determine their need for a DPO based on their specific circumstances and the nature of their data handling activities. Organizations not falling into the specified categories may still choose to appoint a DPO voluntarily, which can be beneficial for ensuring compliance and managing data protection effectively.