Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 specifies that the Data Protection Officer (DPO) plays a critical role in embedding personal data protection within the Controller’s daily operations. Beyond the tasks outlined in Article 32 (3) of the Implementing Regulation, the DPO is expected to provide guidance on compliance, support in breach response planning, lead training efforts, review internal policies, monitor regulatory changes, and collaborate with tech teams to ensure lawful system design.
The DPO is a compliance leader, trainer, advisor, and watchdog for all matters of personal data protection.
DPO shall be responsible for performing tasks stated in Paragraph (3) of Article (32) of the Implementing Regulation of the Law, in addition to the following tasks:
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (1)
Policy Support
Providing support and advice regarding all aspects of Personal Data protection, including contributing to developing policies and internal procedures related to Personal Data protection at Controller.
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (2)
Training & Awareness
Participating in awareness activities, training and transfer of knowledge to Controller personnel regarding Personal Data protection and compliance with provisions of the Law, Implementing Regulations and ethics of data handling.
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (3)
Breach Preparedness
Contributing to reviewing plans of response to Personal Data Breach incidents, and ensuring that such plans are adequate and effective.
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (4)
Compliance Reporting
Preparing periodic reports regarding Controller activities related to processing of Personal Data, and providing recommendations to ensure compliance with provisions of the Law and its Implementing Regulations.
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (5)
Regulatory Tracking
Following up on regulatory documents issued by the competent authority related to the protection of personal data, including any amendments, and inform the relevant departments to ensure compliance.
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (6)
Tech Compliance Advice
Providing support and advice to those responsible for developing and operating modern technological systems to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Law and its Implementing Regulations.
Explanation of Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8
Contribute to internal governance:
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (1) says that the DPO should assist in drafting and advising on internal policies and procedures that align with data protection obligations.
Knowledge building for staff:
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (2) says that the DPO must help educate staff and build a privacy-aware culture through training, awareness, and ethical guidance.
Enhance response capability:
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (3) says that the DPO should help design and review breach response plans to ensure they are robust and effective.
Internal monitoring and reporting:
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (4) says that the DPO should issue regular reports on personal data processing activities and recommend improvements to ensure ongoing legal compliance.
Monitor legal updates:
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (5) says that the DPO is responsible for staying current with SDAIA regulations and informing relevant teams about updates or changes.The DPO is responsible for staying current with SDAIA regulations and informing relevant teams about updates or changes.
Support tech system development:
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 (6) says that the DPO should advise IT and tech teams to build systems that comply with the PDPL and prevent non-compliant data processing practices.
