Who is typically responsible for ensuring compliance with the GDPR within an organization?

The individual typically responsible for ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) within an organization is the Data Protection Officer (DPO). The DPO plays a crucial role in monitoring the compliance of various practices within the organization, advising on data protection obligations, providing training to staff, and serving as a point of contact for data subjects and regulatory authorities.

Under the GDPR, appointing a DPO is mandated for certain organizations, particularly those that process large amounts of personal data, engage in systematic monitoring, or handle sensitive data categories. This role is central to establishing a culture of privacy and data protection within the organization, ensuring that data handling practices align with GDPR principles, such as transparency, data minimization, and accountability.

While other roles, such as the CEO or Chief Information Officer, may contribute to the organization’s overall compliance strategy, the DPO is specifically designated and trained to focus on data protection laws and practices, making them the appropriate choice for this responsibility.