European initiative on the designation and position of data protection officers

On 15 March, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has kicked off its 2023 coordinated enforcement action. Throughout the year, 26 Supervisory Authorities (SAs) across the EEA, including the Data Protection Authority Liechtenstein (DSS), will take part in this joint initiative on the designation and position of data protection officers (DPOs).

As intermediaries between SAs, individuals and organisations, DPOs have an essential role in contributing to compliance with data protection law and promoting effective protection of data subject rights. With this initiative the SAs aim to gauge whether DPOs have the position in their organisations required by Art. 37-39 GDPR and the resources needed to carry out their tasks. The DSS is participating in this European initiative by conducting a survey among all DPOs notified in Liechtenstein pursuant to Art. 37 (7) GDPR.

The results of the joint initiative will be analysed in a coordinated manner and the SAs will decide on possible further national measures and activities. In addition, results will be aggregated, generating deeper insight into the topic and allowing targeted follow-up at EU level. The EDPB will publish a report on the outcome of this analysis once the actions are concluded.

 

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