DPO as a Service vs Compliance Consultants: What’s the Difference?

DPO as a Service vs Compliance Consultants: 3 Key Differences to Know

Let's talk about a common question many businesses face today - do you need a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or would general compliance consulting suffice?

When Do You Need a DPO?

You need a DPO if your organisation:

• Processes large volumes of personal data as your core business activity

• Regularly monitors individuals on a large scale

• Handles sensitive data like health records, financial information, or biometric data

For example, a hospital processing patient records, a bank handling financial transactions, or a surveillance company monitoring public spaces would require a DPO.When is a General Compliance Consultant Sufficient?General compliance consulting works well when your organisation:

• Processes limited personal data

• Handles basic customer information for business transactions

• Needs periodic compliance reviews rather than continuous monitoring

Think of a small retail store that collects customer names and addresses for deliveries, or a local restaurant maintaining a reservation system.DPO as a Service vs Compliance Consultant: 3 Key DifferencesDPOCompliance ConsultantMandatory position under GDPR for qualifying organisationsOptional service based on business needsContinuous oversight and involvementProject-based or periodic engagementActs as point of contact with authoritiesAdvisory role onlyReal-World Use of DPO as a Service and Compliance ConsultantConsider these scenarios:

• A tech startup developing a health monitoring app needs a DPO because they process sensitive health data continuously

• A local bookstore with an online presence can work with a compliance consultant for periodic reviews of their data-handling practices.

• An advertising agency tracking online behaviour for targeted marketing needs a DPO due to large-scale monitoring

Remember, the choice between a DPO and compliance consulting isn't just about company size - it's about the nature and scale of your data processing activities.