Data Protection Officer
A designated role responsible for overseeing an organization's data protection strategy and GDPR compliance.
What Data Protection Officer means
A Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a role mandated by GDPR for organizations that process personal data at scale, monitor data subjects systematically, or process special categories of data as a core activity. The DPO oversees data protection strategy, monitors compliance, advises on data protection impact assessments, cooperates with supervisory authorities, and serves as a contact point for data subjects. In advertising organizations, the DPO ensures that data collection through ad campaigns, audience targeting practices, and data sharing with platforms comply with GDPR and other applicable privacy laws. The DPO must operate independently and report directly to senior management. Not all organizations are required to appoint a DPO, but many do so voluntarily as a compliance best practice.
Related terms
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation — the EU's comprehensive data protection law governing how personal data is collected, processed, and stored.
Data Controller
The entity that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data, bearing primary responsibility under GDPR.
Data Protection Impact Assessment
A formal assessment required by GDPR for data processing activities that pose a high risk to individuals' privacy rights.
Privacy Policy
A legally required document disclosing how an organization collects, uses, shares, and protects personal data.