Roles within GDPR
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Data Protection Officer, Controller, and Processor: Overview
Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Role: The Data Protection Officer oversees GDPR compliance.
- Requirement: Small organizations handling minimal data may not need to appoint a DPO.
- Appointment Criteria: A DPO is necessary if:
- You are a public authority.
- You conduct large-scale systematic monitoring of individuals.
- You process large-scale special categories of data.
- Responsibilities:
- Hold relevant qualifications and detailed GDPR knowledge.
- Report to top management and be fully involved in data protection matters.
- Cannot be penalized for carrying out their duties.
Data Controller
Definition: The entity determining the purposes and means of data processing.
- Examples: Individuals, organizations, companies, agencies, or public authorities.
Data Processor
Definition: The entity processing personal data on behalf of the controller.
- Examples: Individuals, organizations, companies, agencies, or public authorities.
- Role: Processes data without decision-making authority.
- Examples: Accountants handling payroll, online service providers like Salesforce.
- Distinguishing Factor: Processors do not control or make decisions about the data they process.
Entities can fulfill both controller and processor roles, depending on the context.