SITTIG LAW Law Firm Blog

What does an external data protection officer do? Your professional GDPR compliance

An external data protection officer (DPO) is a specialized expert who, as an independent service provider, performs the legally prescribed data protection tasks for companies. At SITTIG LAW, we combine legal expertise with technical understanding to guarantee you legally compliant and practical data protection compliance.
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The most important facts at a glance

The Role of the External Data Protection Officer

A External data protection officer (DSB) is a specialized expert who, as an independent service provider, performs legally mandated data protection tasks for companies. At SITTIG LAW, we combine legal expertise with technical understanding to ensure legally compliant and practical data protection compliance for you.

When do you need an external data protection officer?

The appointment of a data protection officer is legally required for many companies. This particularly applies if your company employs 20 or more people, regularly processes sensitive data, or if the core business consists of extensive processing of personal data. Even without a legal obligation, appointing an external DPO can be beneficial to ensure professional data protection management and minimize liability risks.

Our services as an external data protection officer

As IT law experts, we assume the full function of the Data Protection Officer for you in accordance with the GDPR. This begins with a comprehensive assessment of your current data protection processes and culminates in a customized data protection concept. We create all necessary documentation, conduct regular employee training, and represent you before the supervisory authorities.

The advantages of an external data protection officer

Choosing an external Data Protection Officer offers your company crucial advantages. You won't have to tie up internal resources and will benefit from our consistently up-to-date expertise. Our independent position and many years of practical experience ensure professional liability coverage with clear cost control.

Legal Basis and Requirements

The activities of a data protection officer are detailed in Articles 37-39 of the GDPR and Section 38 of the BDSG. Particular importance is placed on professional qualifications, the independence of the position, and the duty of confidentiality. As external Data Protection Officers, we meet all legal requirements and comprehensively document our activities.

Here's how we'll start working together

The path to your professional data protection compliance begins with a consultation, during which we analyze your specific situation. Based on this, we will create a personalized offer. After commissioning, we will conduct a detailed current analysis and gradually implement all necessary measures.

Frequently asked questions

The costs for our service as an external data protection officer depend on the size of your company and the complexity of your data processing. During the consultation, we will analyze your individual needs and create a tailored offer with a transparent cost structure.

An external data protection officer must have sound knowledge of data protection law and the GDPR. Technical understanding and practical experience in data protection management are also required. A legal or IT security training is advantageous.

An external data protection officer brings current specialist knowledge and experience from various companies. They work independently, incur no personnel costs, and do not enjoy special protection against dismissal. Furthermore, they are personally liable for their consulting services, thereby relieving the company.

You will receive a dedicated contact person from our team of experienced data protection officers. This person will know your company and your specific requirements and will be available to assist you with all data protection-related questions.

After signing the commission, we can usually start work within a few business days. The first steps will be to notify the supervisory authority and conduct the initial inventory.

We serve companies from all industries. Our many years of experience enable us to optimally consider industry-specific requirements.

Our team continuously trains and regularly communicates with regulatory authorities. This ensures we are always informed about current developments in data protection law.

In the event of an official audit, we will assist you with our many years of experience. We will handle communication with the supervisory authority and accompany you through the entire audit process.

For a successful start, we first need an overview of your data processing activities. We will support you in compiling the relevant information.

Daily collaboration is flexible and tailored to your needs. 

Hamburg location
Head office
Martinistrasse 11
20251 Hamburg
Phone: +49 (0) 40 808 125 550
Fax: +49 (0) 40 808 125 559
Kassel location
Branch office
Motzstrasse 1
34117 Kassel
Phone: +49 (0) 561 510 053 80
Fax: +49 (0) 561 510 053 99
Frankfurt location
Branch office
Oeder Weg 11
60318 Frankfurt am Main
Phone: +49 (0) 69 710 471 070
Fax: +49 (0) 69 710 471 079
SITTIG LAW
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Specialist lawyer for criminal law.
Specialist lawyer for IT law.

[email protected]
Hamburg location
Head office
Martinistr. 11
20251 Hamburg
Tel: +49 (0) 40 808 125 550
Fax: +49 (0) 40 808 125 559

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