Bodobalazs: 1 revision imported: GDPRHUB import 2023 04 18

2023-04-18T15:01:37Z

1 revision imported: GDPRHUB import 2023 04 18

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![[Article 36 GDPR|←]] Article 37 - Designation of the data protection officer [[Article 38 GDPR|→]]
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<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 1: General provisions</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 1 GDPR|Article 1: Subject-matter and objectives]]<br />
[[Article 2 GDPR|Article 2: Material scope]]<br />
[[Article 3 GDPR|Article 3: Territorial scope]]<br />
[[Article 4 GDPR|Article 4: Definitions]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 2: Principles</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 5 GDPR|Article 5: Principles relating to processing of personal data]]<br />
[[Article 6 GDPR|Article 6: Lawfulness of processing]]<br />
[[Article 7 GDPR|Article 7: Conditions for consent]]<br />
[[Article 8 GDPR|Article 8: Conditions applicable to child’s consent in relation to information society services]]<br />
[[Article 9 GDPR|Article 9: Processing of special categories of personal data]]<br />
[[Article 10 GDPR|Article 10: Processing of personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences]]<br />
[[Article 11 GDPR|Article 11: Processing which does not require identification]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 3: Rights of the data subject</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 12 GDPR|Article 12: Transparent information, communication and modalities for the exercise of the rights of the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 13 GDPR|Article 13: Information to be provided where personal data are collected from the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 14 GDPR|Article 14: Information to be provided where personal data have not been obtained from the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 15 GDPR|Article 15: Right of access by the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 16 GDPR|Article 16: Right to rectification]]<br />
[[Article 17 GDPR|Article 17: Right to erasure (‘right to be forgotten’)]]<br />
[[Article 18 GDPR|Article 18: Right to restriction of processing]]<br />
[[Article 19 GDPR|Article 19: Notification obligation regarding rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing]]<br />
[[Article 20 GDPR|Article 20: Right to data portability]]<br />
[[Article 21 GDPR|Article 21: Right to object]]<br />
[[Article 22 GDPR|Article 22: Automated individual decision-making, including profiling]]<br />
[[Article 23 GDPR|Article 23: Restrictions]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 4: Controller and processor</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 24 GDPR|Article 24: Responsibility of the controller]]<br />
[[Article 25 GDPR|Article 25: Data protection by design and by default]]<br />
[[Article 26 GDPR|Article 26: Joint controllers]]<br />
[[Article 27 GDPR|Article 27: Representatives of controllers or processors not established in the Union]]<br />
[[Article 28 GDPR|Article 28: Processor]]<br />
[[Article 29 GDPR|Article 29: Processing under the authority of the controller or processor]]<br />
[[Article 30 GDPR|Article 30: Records of processing activities]]<br />
[[Article 31 GDPR|Article 31: Cooperation with the supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 32 GDPR|Article 32: Security of processing]]<br />
[[Article 33 GDPR|Article 33: Notification of a personal data breach to the supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 34 GDPR|Article 34: Communication of a personal data breach to the data subject]]<br />
[[Article 35 GDPR|Article 35: Data protection impact assessment]]<br />
[[Article 36 GDPR|Article 36: Prior consultation]]<br />
[[Article 37 GDPR|Article 37: Designation of the data protection officer]]<br />
[[Article 38 GDPR|Article 38: Position of the data protection officer]]<br />
[[Article 39 GDPR|Article 39: Tasks of the data protection officer]]<br />
[[Article 40 GDPR|Article 40: Codes of conduct]]<br />
[[Article 41 GDPR|Article 41: Monitoring of approved codes of conduct]]<br />
[[Article 42 GDPR|Article 42: Certification]]<br />
[[Article 43 GDPR|Article 43: Certification bodies]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 5: Transfers of personal data</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 44 GDPR|Article 44: General principle for transfers]]<br />
[[Article 45 GDPR|Article 45: Transfers on the basis of an adequacy decision]]<br />
[[Article 46 GDPR|Article 46: Transfers subject to appropriate safeguards]]<br />
[[Article 47 GDPR|Article 47: Binding corporate rules]]<br />
[[Article 48 GDPR|Article 48: Transfers or disclosures not authorised by Union law]]<br />
[[Article 49 GDPR|Article 49: Derogations for specific situations]]<br />
[[Article 50 GDPR|Article 50: International cooperation for the protection of personal data]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 6: Supervisory authorities</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 51 GDPR|Article 51: Supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 52 GDPR|Article 52: Independence]]<br />
[[Article 53 GDPR|Article 53: General conditions for the members of the supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 54 GDPR|Article 54: Rules on the establishment of the supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 55 GDPR|Article 55: Competence]]<br />
[[Article 56 GDPR|Article 56: Competence of the lead supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 57 GDPR|Article 57: Tasks]]<br />
[[Article 58 GDPR|Article 58: Powers]]<br />
[[Article 59 GDPR|Article 59: Activity reports]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 7: Cooperation and consistency</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 60 GDPR|Article 60: Cooperation between the lead supervisory authority and the other supervisory authorities concerned]]<br />
[[Article 61 GDPR|Article 61: Mutual assistance]]<br />
[[Article 62 GDPR|Article 62: Joint operations of supervisory authorities]]<br />
[[Article 63 GDPR|Article 63: Consistency mechanism]]<br />
[[Article 64 GDPR|Article 64: Opinion of the Board]]<br />
[[Article 65 GDPR|Article 65: Dispute resolution by the Board]]<br />
[[Article 66 GDPR|Article 66: Urgency procedure]]<br />
[[Article 67 GDPR|Article 67: Exchange of information]]<br />
[[Article 68 GDPR|Article 68: European Data Protection Board]]<br />
[[Article 69 GDPR|Article 69: Independence]]<br />
[[Article 70 GDPR|Article 70: Tasks of the Board]]<br />
[[Article 71 GDPR|Article 71: Reports]]<br />
[[Article 72 GDPR|Article 72: Procedure]]<br />
[[Article 73 GDPR|Article 73: Chair]]<br />
[[Article 74 GDPR|Article 74: Tasks of the Chair]]<br />
[[Article 75 GDPR|Article 75: Secretariat]]<br />
[[Article 76 GDPR|Article 76: Confidentiality]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 8: Remedies, liability and penalties</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 77 GDPR|Article 77: Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 78 GDPR|Article 78: Right to an effective judicial remedy against a supervisory authority]]<br />
[[Article 79 GDPR|Article 79: Right to an effective judicial remedy against a controller or processor]]<br />
[[Article 80 GDPR|Article 80: Representation of data subjects]]<br />
[[Article 81 GDPR|Article 81: Suspension of proceedings]]<br />
[[Article 82 GDPR|Article 82: Right to compensation and liability]]<br />
[[Article 83 GDPR|Article 83: General conditions for imposing administrative fines]]<br />
[[Article 84 GDPR|Article 84: Penalties]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 9: Specific processing situations</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 85 GDPR|Article 85: Processing and freedom of expression and information]]<br />
[[Article 86 GDPR|Article 86: Processing and public access to official documents]]<br />
[[Article 87 GDPR|Article 87: Processing of the national identification number]]<br />
[[Article 88 GDPR|Article 88: Processing in the context of employment]]<br />
[[Article 89 GDPR|Article 89: Safeguards and derogations relating to processing for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes]]<br />
[[Article 90 GDPR|Article 90: Obligations of secrecy]]<br />
[[Article 91 GDPR|Article 91: Existing data protection rules of churches and religious associations]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 10: Delegated and implementing acts</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 92 GDPR|Article 92: Exercise of the delegation]]<br />
[[Article 93 GDPR|Article 93: Committee procedure]]<br />
</small>
</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-width: 0px" overflow:auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Chapter 11: Final provisions</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
<small>
[[Article 94 GDPR|Article 94: Repeal of Directive 95: /46: /EC]]<br />
[[Article 95 GDPR|Article 95: Relationship with Directive 20: 02: /58: /EC]]<br />
[[Article 96 GDPR|Article 96: Relationship with previously concluded Agreements]]<br />
[[Article 97 GDPR|Article 97: Commission reports]]<br />
[[Article 98 GDPR|Article 98: Review of other Union legal acts on data protection]]<br />
[[Article 99 GDPR|Article 99: Entry into force and application]]<br />
</small>
</div>
</div>
|}

==Legal Text==
<br /><center>'''Article 37 - Designation of the data protection officer'''</center>

<span id="1">1. The controller and the processor shall designate a data protection officer in any case where:</span>

::<span id="1a">(a) the processing is carried out by a public authority or body, except for courts acting in their judicial capacity;</span>

::<span id="1b">(b) the core activities of the controller or the processor consist of processing operations which, by virtue of their nature, their scope and/or their purposes, require regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large scale; or</span>

::<span id="1c">(c) the core activities of the controller or the processor consist of processing on a large scale of special categories of data pursuant to Article 9 and personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences referred to in Article 10.</span>

<span id="2">2. A group of undertakings may appoint a single data protection officer provided that a data protection officer is easily accessible from each establishment.</span>

<span id="3">3. Where the controller or the processor is a public authority or body, a single data protection officer may be designated for several such authorities or bodies, taking account of their organisational structure and size.</span>

<span id="4">4. In cases other than those referred to in paragraph 1, the controller or processor or associations and other bodies representing categories of controllers or processors may or, where required by Union or Member State law shall, designate a data protection officer. The data protection officer may act for such associations and other bodies representing controllers or processors.</span>

<span id="5">5. The data protection officer shall be designated on the basis of professional qualities and, in particular, expert knowledge of data protection law and practices and the ability to fulfil the tasks referred to in Article 39.</span>

<span id="6">6. The data protection officer may be a staff member of the controller or processor, or fulfil the tasks on the basis of a service contract.</span>

<span id="7">7. The controller or the processor shall publish the contact details of the data protection officer and communicate them to the supervisory authority.</span>

==Relevant Recitals==
{{Recital/97 GDPR}}

==Commentary==
Article 37 GDPR reaffirms the importance of the role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO). Indeed, the importance of appointing a DPO was confirmed by the European Data Protection Supervisor when they stated that “''the Data Protection Officer is fundamental in insuring the respect of data protection principles within institutions/bodies''”.<ref>EDPS, ‘Position Paper on the Role of Data Protection Officers in Ensuring Effective Compliance with Regulation (EC) 45/2001’, 28 November 2005, p. 3 (available [https://edps.europa.eu/sites/edp/files/publication/05-11-28_dpo_paper_en.pdf here]).</ref> The notion of appointing a DPO has its roots in Article 18(2) of the Data Protection Directive 1995 (Directive 95/46/EC) (DPD). However, although the DPD spoke about the designation of a DPO, it did not make this mandatory. With the GDPR’s introduction of the requirement to appoint a DPO in certain instances, the importance of the role embodied by the DPO can be said to have become pivotal. The role of the DPO is especially important for demonstrating compliance with data protection principles, which lies at the heart of the principle of accountability ([[Article 24 GDPR|Articles 5(2) and 24 GDPR]]).<ref>EDPS, ‘Position paper on the role of Data Protection Officers of the EU institutions and bodies’, 30 September 2018, p. 14 (available [https://edps.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publication/18-09-30_dpo_position_paper_en.pdf here]).</ref><blockquote><u>EDPB Guidelines</u>: on this Article, please see [https://edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/guidelines/data-protection-officer_en Data Protection Officer - WP29]</blockquote>

=== (1) Obligation to Designate a Data Protection Officer ===
Article 37(1) GDPR specifies three conditions in which the appointment of a DPO is mandatory. First, when processing is carried out by a public authority or body. Second, when the core activities of a controller or processor involve the regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large-scale. Third, when the core activities of a controller or processor involve the processing of [[Article 9 GDPR]] or [[Article 10 GDPR]] data on a large-scale.

==== (a) Public Authorities and Bodies ====
The GDPR does not define what constitutes a public authority or body, however, the Article 29 Working Party (WP29) has stated that this is considered to be something that falls within the purview of national law.<ref>WP29, ''Guidelines on Data Protection Officers (“DPOs”)''”, WP 243 rev.01, 5 April 2017 (available [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/document.cfm?doc_id=44100 here]).</ref> Though public authorities and bodies may include national, regional, and local authorities, the term may also stretch to include other bodies that are governed by public law. In such instances, the designation of a DPO is obligatory.<ref>WP29, ''Guidelines on Data Protection Officers (“DPOs”)''”, WP 243 rev.01, 5 April 2017 (available [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/document.cfm?doc_id=44100 here]).</ref> Even in the instances where a natural or legal person exercises a public task, there is the need to designate a DPO. The WP29 also recommends that in instances where private organizations carry out public tasks, they also designate a DPO. Article 37(1)(a) GDPR makes clear that judicial authorities are excluded from the requirement to have a DPO, the reason for this being the principle that the judiciary should be independent from the enforcement provisions of the GDPR.<ref>''Alvarez Rigaudias, Spinas,'' in Kuner et al., The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Article 37 GDPR, p. 692 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref> However, this derogation does not apply in instances where personal data processing is carried out by court administrations when they act as public authorities in a way that is linked to their judicial mandate.<ref>''Alvarez Rigaudias, Spinas,'' in Kuner et al., The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Article 37 GDPR, p. 692 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref>
==== (b) Regular and Systematic Monitoring ====
Article 37(1)(b) GDPR imposes the obligation of appointing a DPO on controllers or processors whose core activities involve regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large scale. This concept of “regular and systematic monitoring” of data subjects is mentioned in Recital 24 GDPR, and includes “all forms of tracking and profiling on the internet, including for the purposes of behavioral advertising”.<ref>WP29, ''Guidelines on Data Protection Officers (“DPOs”)''”, WP 243 rev.01, 5 April 2017, p. 8 (available [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/document.cfm?doc_id=44100 here]).</ref> Monitoring of data subjects can also take place outside of the context of an online environment. Specifically, the WP29 has interpreted “regular” to mean: Ongoing or occurring at particular intervals for a particular period; Recurring or repeated at fixed times; Constantly or periodically taking place. And interpreted “systematic” to mean: Occurring according to a system; Pre-arranged, organized or methodical; Taking place as part of a general plan for data collection; Carried out as part of a strategy. Examples given of regular and systematic processing activities include the operation of a telecommunications network, data-driven marketing, and location tracking, among others.<ref>WP29, ''Guidelines on Data Protection Officers (“DPOs”)''”, WP 243 rev.01, 5 April 2017, p. 9 (available [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/document.cfm?doc_id=44100 here]).</ref> Recent judgments by Data Protection Authorities in Europe have shown that that fines will be issued for failing to appoint a DPO in instances where one is necessary. For example, on November 10<sup>th</sup> 2020 the Spanish Data Protection Authority (AEPD) issued a €50,000 fine against Conseguridad SL for failing to appoint a DPO.<ref>Data Protection Authority Spain (AEPD), PS/00251/2020, 29 October 2020 (available [https://www.aepd.es/es/documento/ps-00251-2020.pdf here]).</ref> The AEPD held that since Conseguridad SL was processing the personal data of a large number of people through its installation of video surveillance cameras, it was therefore in breach of Article 37(1)(b) GDPR by not having a DPO.<ref>Data Protection Authority Spain (AEPD), PS/00251/2020, 29 October 2020 (available [https://www.aepd.es/es/documento/ps-00251-2020.pdf here]).</ref>

==== Article 37(1)(c) GDPR: Special Category or Data Relating to Criminal Convictions and Offences” ====
In a similar fashion to Article 37(1)(b) GDPR, Article 37(1)(c) GDPR imposes the obligation of appointing a DPO on controllers or processors whose core activities involve, on a large scale, the processing of special categories of data under [[Article 9 GDPR]] or data relating to criminal convictions and offences under [[Article 10 GDPR]]. This requirement is evidently related to the importance that there is someone within the controller’s organisational structure that understands the sensitivity of the data that is being processed, and is well versed in what the processing of this kind of data implies.
===== 'Large-Scale' and 'Core Activities' =====
Article 37(1)(b) GDPR and Article 37(1)(c) GDPR also extends the requirement to appoint a DPO to controllers or processors whose core activities require either the regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large-scale, or involve processing of data under [[Article 9 GDPR]] or [[Article 10 GDPR]] Recital 97 GDPR clarifies that the core activities of a controller are those relating to “''primary activities and do not relate to the processing of personal data as ancillary activities''”. The WP29 has clarified that the notion of ‘''core activities''’ can be considered as “''the key operations necessary to achieve the controller’s or processor’s goals''”.<ref>WP29, ‘Guidelines on Data Protection Officers (‘DPOs’)’, 16/EN WP 243 rev.01, 5 April 2017, p. 7 (available [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/document.cfm?doc_id=44100 here]).</ref> However, the ‘core activities’ should not be interpreted in such a way that they exclude processing operations that form an inextricable part of the controller’s or processor’s activities. The example given for this by the WP29 is a hospital which provides healthcare. Here, a hospital would need to process health data in order to be able to effectively provide healthcare. In this instance, the processing of data ''should'' be considered to be part of a hospital’s core activities, and therefore the hospital would be obliged to designate a DPO.

The term ‘''large-scale''’ with regards to processing is also not defined in the GDPR. However, Recital 91 GDPR sheds some light on what it may mean, noting that large-scale processing operations might aim to “''process a considerable amount of personal data at regional, national, or supranational level''” and might “''affect a large number of data subjects''”. In this regard, the WP29 Guidelines mention four criteria with which the large-scale nature of processing operations can be assessed: (i) the number of data subjects concerned, (ii) the volume and range of data being processed, (iii) the duration or permanence of the processing, and (iv) the geographical extent of the processing activities. Examples given by the WP29 of large-scale processing activities include the regular processing of patient data in hospitals, or the processing of data by telephone or internet service providers. In contrast, the processing of personal data by an individual physician, for example, would not be considered large-scale processing.<ref>WP29, ‘Guidelines on Data Protection Officers (‘DPOs’)’, 16/EN WP 243 rev.01, 5 April 2017, p. 8 (available [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/document.cfm?doc_id=44100 here]).</ref>

=== (2) Group Undertakings ===
Article 37(2) GDPR and Article 37(3) GDPR permit the designation of a single DPO for a cluster of undertakings or several public authorities or bodies. Article 37(2) GDPR states that a single DPO can be appointed for multiple undertakings, as long as the DPO is easily accessible from each establishment. The WP29 has clarified that this notion of accessibility refers to the DPO not only serving as a contact point for data subjects and DPAs , but also as a contact point internally for the organisation itself. The latter is evident from [[Article 39 GDPR|Article 39(1) GDPR]], which states that one of the tasks of a DPO is to “''to inform and advise the controller and the processor and the employees who carry out processing of their obligations pursuant to this Regulation''”. Therefore, it is also important to make sure that the contact details of the DPO are available both externally and internally.<ref>WP29, ‘Guidelines on Data Protection Officers (‘DPOs’)’, 16/EN WP 243 rev.01, 5 April 2017, p. 10 (available [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/document.cfm?doc_id=44100 here]).</ref>

=== (3) Multiple Public Authorities or Bodies ===
Article 37(3) GDPR takes a similar approach, stating that multiple public authorities or bodies may also appoint a single DPO, once their organizational structure and size has been taken into account. If a single DPO is to be appointed for a variety of tasks and across such entities, it is the task of the controller or processor to ensure that the DPO can perform their activities efficiently. In other words, their acting in capacity for multiple entities must not hinder the effective execution of their tasks. To ensure that a DPO is effective, the WP29 recommends that they be located within the European Union, regardless of whether the controller or processor themselves is also established in the Union.<ref>WP29, ''Guidelines on Data Protection Officers (“DPOs”)''”, WP 243 rev.01, 5 April 2017, p. 11 (available [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/document.cfm?doc_id=44100 here]).</ref>

=== (4) Other Circumstances in which to Designate a Data Protection Officer ===
Article 37(4) GDPR stipulates that in instances other than those referred to in Article 37(1) GDPR, it may still be recommended or required by Member State law that a controller or processor, or groups of such, designate a DPO. This DPO may then act for such associations or other bodies representing controllers or processors. For instance, a DPO in this context could be useful in advising the groups of controllers or processors on frequently encountered issues, and could also serve as a communication channel between the represented controllers and processors, and the competent DPAs.<ref>''Alvarez Rigaudias, Spinas,'' in Kuner, Bygrave, Docksey, The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A Commentary, Article 37 GDPR, p. 695 (Oxford University Press 2020).</ref>

=== (5) Expertise and Skill of the DPO ===
Article 37(5) GDPR specifies that the DPO shall be designated on the basis of their professional qualities and expert knowledge of data protection law. In particular, this provision makes reference to [[Article 39 GDPR]], which details the DPO’s tasks. These include, but are not limited to, tasks such as informing and advising the controller and processor of their obligations under the GDPR; monitoring compliance with the GDPR and assisting in assigning responsibilities and training staff involved in processing operations; providing assistance with Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) where needed and monitoring compliance with them; and finally, cooperating with the DPA and acting as a channel of communication.

Recital 97 GDPR also states that the necessary level of expert knowledge that the DPO should have should be determined according to what processing operations are being carried out, and what level of protection is necessary for the data that is being processed. The more complex the processing activities are, and the more measures of protection are needed, the more ‘knowledgeable’ the DPO will have to be. However, as [[Article 39 GDPR]] clearly establishes, a DPO will need to know their way around the GDPR well enough in order to be able to effectively carry out the tasks required of them. Although Article 37(5) GDPR does not specify the specific qualifications that a DPO must have, knowledge of the business sector, along with an understanding of the controller and their tasks, will be an asset.
=== (6) DPO on the Basis of a Service Contract ===
Article 37(6) GDPR allows a designated DPO to be either a controller or processor’s staff member, or to alternatively be appointed on the basis of a service contract. This provision can be interpreted as providing added flexibility to the controller or processor in deciding how to best employ a DPO for their organisation. Importantly, it also does not require that the DPO be an entirely impartial body who is not associated with the controller or processor, much like an independent auditor might be. However, it is essential that the DPO fulfils the applicable requirements of Section 4 of the GDPR – for instance, that they have no conflict of interests.

=== (7) Contact Details of the DPO ===
Finally, Article 37(7) GDPR requires that the controller or processor publish the contact details of the DPO, and communicate these to the relevant DPA. One can interpret that this provision’s objective is the facilitation of communication and transparency between the data subject or DPA and the DPO. It is important to note, however, that this provision does ''not'' require that the name of the DPO be published; in other words, contact details may include the contact email address, but do not have to necessarily result in the publication of any personal data.
==Decisions==
→ You can find all related decisions in [[:Category:Article 37 GDPR]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:GDPR Articles]]

Article 37 GDPR - Revision history

Bodobalazs: 1 revision imported: GDPRHUB import 2023 04 18