In these situations, a privacy officer is essential

September 9, 2026

Every organisation processes personal data, but not everyone knows when it is important to involve a privacy officer (PO). Privacy is no longer just a legal obligation; it is a crucial part of responsible and reliable business practices. By involving an expert at the right time, you can prevent risks, mistakes, and unnecessary costs.

Why is a privacy officer a good idea?

When your organisation processes large amounts of personal data, the risk of mistakes or data breaches increases. Every organisation is ultimately responsible for complying with the GDPR. This means you are responsible for handling the personal data of customers and employees with care. A privacy officer brings structure and transparency to this process. They help your organisation apply GDPR requirements in a practical and realistic way.

When should you appoint a privacy officer?

A privacy officer should be involved as early as possible. As soon as personal data is being processed, it is advisable to involve a privacy officer. In certain situations, their expertise is even essential. In these cases, the PO assesses how data is processed, stored, and modified, and whether the implemented security measures are sufficient. It matters what type of personal data is being processed. In the following three situations a privacy officer is particularly relevant:

1. Processing of sensitive personal data

This type of data is not explicitly defined in the GDPR, but includes financial data, location data, and national identification numbers, among others. The Dutch Data Protection Authority considers this data to be more sensitive than regular personal data, requiring additional care. A privacy officer helps by identifying risks, assessing the necessity of processing, and ensuring that employees understand what is and is not permitted.

2. Processing of special categories of personal data

Special categories of personal data include information about health, religion, ethnicity, political opinions, or sexual orientation. Extra care is required, as misuse of this data can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. This type of data is commonly found in sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and among employers. A privacy officer helps your organisation prevent sensitive information from being unintentionally exposed or misused.

3. Processing of personal data relating to criminal convictions

This includes data concerning criminal convictions, suspicions, or allegations. The processing of this data is only permitted under specific legal conditions. Many organisations are unaware that requesting a Certificate of Conduct or criminal record can quickly fall under this legislation. A privacy officer ensures that the collection and processing of this data is carried out in a GDPR-compliant and secure manner.

Improve your privacy with a professional

Privacy is more than just legal compliance; it is about trust, security, and healthy business operations. A privacy officer helps your organisation make privacy a practical and structured part of its way of working.

Would you like to know what a privacy officer can do for your organisation? Our specialists are happy to think along with you about the right approach. Feel free to contact us via info@privacycompany.com.

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