What is the primary responsibility of a Data Protection Officer (DPO)?

The primary responsibility of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) is to oversee the organization's data protection strategy and ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. A DPO acts as the point of contact for data subjects and regulatory authorities, advising the organization on its obligations under data protection laws and helping to foster a culture of data privacy awareness within the organization.

This role involves monitoring compliance, conducting audits, providing training to staff, and serving as a liaison in data protection matters. The DPO must also assess and mitigate risks associated with data processing activities and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect personal data.

In contrast, managing the organization's IT infrastructure, focusing on marketing data collection, or handling customer service issues do not align with the core functions and responsibilities of a DPO. Each of those roles connects to data handling in a different capacity but does not encompass the strategic and compliance-driven focus that defines the DPO's position within an organization.