OneTrust Certified Privacy Professional Practice Exam

What is the role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) in relation to the GDPR?

1. To manage company finances

2. To ensure compliance with GDPR

3. To oversee marketing strategies

4. To manage human resources

The correct answer is: To ensure compliance with GDPR

The role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) is fundamentally about ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The DPO is responsible for monitoring the organization's adherence to data protection laws and practices, providing guidance on data protection obligations, and acting as a point of contact between the organization and regulatory authorities. This includes assessing data processing activities, helping to manage data subject requests, and ensuring that data protection impact assessments are conducted when necessary. The DPO takes an active role in raising awareness and training employees on data protection matters, reinforcing the importance of privacy within the organizational culture. Their expertise is critical in identifying potential risks, implementing appropriate measures to mitigate those risks, and ensuring that the organization processes personal data transparently and lawfully in accordance with GDPR requirements. In contrast to the other options, financial management, overseeing marketing strategies, and human resources management focus on entirely different organizational functions that do not directly pertain to data protection or compliance with GDPR. These responsibilities are separate from the DPO's primary function, which centers on safeguarding individuals' data rights and managing the organization's data privacy obligations.