🤷♂️ When the Head of Compliance Is Also the DPO… Oops!
You can't do it...
It’sFriday is Insight Day!
🚨 Case Study: Belgium Fines Company for Inappropriate DPO Appointment 🚨
Back in 2020, a Belgian company was fined for appointing its Head of Compliance, Audit, and Risk as DPO. Why? Because it violated GDPR rules requiring independence for the DPO role. While this happened a few years ago, the lesson is still relevant today.
Key Takeaways:
Independence Is Non-Negotiable: The DPO cannot have conflicts of interest or perform tasks that compromise their ability to protect data impartially.
Function Segregation Matters: The DPO should focus solely on data protection, keeping clear boundaries from other responsibilities like compliance or risk management.
💡 Choose your DPO wisely. Proper appointments don’t just prevent fines—they also strengthen your company’s data protection practices and build trust.