Appointing a Data Protection Officer For Your Business: All You Need to Know

Last updated on January 4, 2018

Featured image for the "Appointing a Data Protection Officer For Your Business: All You Need to Know" article. It features a graphic of a police officer against a background of data.

Under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), organisations (such as businesses) are required to appoint at least one individual as their Data Protection Officer (DPO) to ensure their compliance with the PDPA.

Your business’ DPO can be either an employee or a third-party. However, take note that your business is not exempted from fulfilling its data protection obligations just because you have appointed a DPO for it.

This article sets out the responsibilities that you may task your DPO with, and discusses how you can help your DPO fulfil these responsibilities more effectively.

What are the Responsibilities of a Data Protection Officer?

The PDPA does not state the responsibilities that your DPO has to undertake. However, you could task your DPO with:

  • Crafting and implementing processes and policies for the handling of personal data, in accordance with your business’ data protection obligations;
  • Increasing your stakeholders’ (e.g. employees, independent contractors, and business partners) awareness of both these data protection policies and your business’ data protection obligations;
  • Handling queries and complaints regarding your business’ protection of personal data;
  • Informing management of any data protection-related risks which may arise; and
  • Liaising with the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), which administers and enforces the PDPA, where necessary.

Given the importance of such tasks, should you decide to appoint an employee as your DPO, you may consider appointing someone from the middle to senior management levels.

How Can You Help Your Data Protection Officer Fulfil His Responsibilities?

Here are several ways in which you can enhance your business’ capabilities to help your DPO fulfil his responsibilities more effectively:

(1) Send your DPO for a data protection course.

Through these courses, your DPO can gain a better understanding of the scope of his responsibilities and the steps he can take to ensure your business complies with the PDPA.

(2) Keep your DPO up-to-date on the latest data protection matters.

For example, you can register your DPO with the PDPC. You can also subscribe him to the PDPC’s e-newsletter, DPO Connect.

Doing so will keep your DPO informed of the latest matters concerning data protection, upcoming events conducted by the PDPC, and information on where to seek help for data protection matters.

(3) Evaluate your business’ data management processes and frameworks and determine if they are consistent with the 9 main obligations under the PDPA.

(4) Evaluate which of your business’ databases contain personal data and determine who can access such data, how such data is stored and how long it will be kept.

(5) Identify the areas where the personal data in your business’ possession might be compromised, and craft and implement measures to reduce such risks.

For example, you can arrange for regular internal audits to ensure that your business’ processes comply with Singapore’s data protection laws.

You should also make the necessary investments in your business’ security infrastructure and implement secure server practices, such as proper access controls and strong password policies.

Finally, you should put in place both physical and online systems to regulate and monitor the movement of personal data out of your business’ premises and computer systems respectively.

(6) Ensure that your employees are familiar with your business’ data protection processes, frameworks and policies.

For example, get your DPO to conduct training workshops for employees on your business’ data protection practices and policies. Your DPO should also regularly update employees of any developments that may affect how your business manages personal data.

(7) Implement a procedure to be followed should a member of the public have a query or complaint on how your business handles personal data.

The procedure should include details such as who the public should contact and how, and whether they have to pay an administration fee when making a request. Take note that the PDPA requires the business contact information of DPOs to be made public.

The DPO should also be competent enough to handle queries and complaints concerning personal data protection on your business’ behalf.

Finally, although the DPO is not required to be physically present in Singapore, he should be readily accessible from Singapore and operational during Singapore business hours.

The role of a DPO is far from straightforward. Therefore to ensure compliance with the PDPA, it is crucial that your business work alongside your DPO in implementing the relevant data protection policies, processes and frameworks, as well as conducting regular employee training and internal audits.

This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal advice on appointing a DPO for your business or setting out the scope of your DPO’s responsibilities, feel free to get in touch with one of our experienced data protection lawyers.

Appointment and Removal of Company Officers and Other Key Personnel
  1. What is a Nominee Director, How to Appoint and Other FAQs
  2. Independent Directors: Who are They and What is Their Role?
  3. Board of Advisors: Who Are They and What Is Their Role?
  4. Appointing Company Directors in Singapore: Eligibility, Process etc.
  5. Managing Director vs CEO in Singapore: Roles and Obligations
  6. Guide to Directors' Remuneration in Singapore
  7. Directors' Duties in Singapore
  8. Shadow Directors: Who are They and What Duties Do They Owe to the Company?
  9. How to Remove a Director from a Company in Singapore
  10. Removal and Resignation of Company Auditor in Singapore
  11. Appointing a Company Secretary: Roles and Responsibilities
  12. Appointing an Authorised Representative for Foreign Companies in Singapore
  13. Process Agents in Singapore
Holding Meetings
  1. What are Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in Singapore?
  2. How to Hold Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) in Singapore
  3. How to Hold a Board Meeting in Singapore
Shareholder Matters
  1. Share Buybacks in Singapore: Procedure, Cost and More
  2. How to Split Shares (or Stocks) in a Singapore Company
  3. 2 Ways to Remove a Singapore Company Shareholder ASAP
  4. What are Treasury Shares? Guide for Singapore Companies
  5. Guide to Paid-Up Capital in Singapore (Is $1 Enough?)
  6. Preparing a Register of Shareholders for a Singapore Company
  7. How to Issue Shares in a Singapore Private Company
  8. Guide to Transferring Shares in a Singapore Private Company
  9. Your Guide to Share Certificates in Singapore: Usage and How to Prepare
  10. Shareholder Rights in Singapore Private Companies
  11. Shareholder Roles and Obligations in Singapore Companies
  12. Dividend Payments Guide for Singapore Business Owners
  13. Share Transmission: What Happens If a Shareholder Dies in Singapore?
  14. How to Reduce the Share Capital of Your Singapore Company
  15. Buy-Sell Agreements: How to Write & Fund Them in Singapore
  16. Oppression of Minority Shareholders
Compliance
  1. Is Your Business Collaboration Competition Law-Compliant?
  2. Explained: Registered Filing Agent for Singapore Businesses
  3. Transfer Pricing Obligations of Singapore Companies
  4. Adhering to Trading Sanctions and Restrictions in Singapore
  5. Cyber Hygiene Compliance Guide for Singapore Companies
  6. Corporate Social Responsibility For Businesses in Singapore
  7. Essential Regulatory Compliance Guide for Singapore Companies
  8. Dormant Companies and Their Filing Obligations in Singapore
  9. Anti-Money Laundering Regulations and Your Business: What You Need to Know
  10. Price-Fixing, Bid-Rigging and Other Anti-Competitive Practices to Avoid
  11. Legally Conducting Lucky Draws for Singapore Businesses
  12. Restaurant Inspection and Food Safety Rules in Singapore
Company Management
  1. Does Your Company Need a Legal Team (In-House Counsel)?
  2. Acqui-Hiring of Singapore Companies: How Does It Work?
  3. How to Change the Name of Your Singapore Company
  4. Can Directors be Liable for Company Debts in Singapore?
  5. Company Loans to Directors/Shareholders in Singapore
  6. 3 Types of Insurance Every Singapore Business Needs
  7. Creating and Registering Charges in Singapore: Guide for Companies
  8. Guide to Effective Business Continuity Planning in Singapore
  9. Business Asset Sale & Disposal in Singapore: How Do They Work?
  10. Business Partnership Disputes in Singapore: How to Resolve
  11. How to Commence a Derivative Action on Behalf of a Company in Singapore
  12. Business Will: How to Pass on Your Business to Your Successors in Singapore
Company Documents
  1. Record-Keeping Requirements for Singapore Companies
  2. Company Constitutions in Singapore and How to Draft One
  3. Company Memorandum and Articles of Association
  4. Company Resolutions: What are They?
  5. Board Resolutions in Singapore
  6. Minutes of Company Meeting in Singapore: How to Record
  7. How to Set Up a Register of Controllers
  8. How to Set Up a Register of Nominee Directors
  9. Guide to Filing Financial Statements for Singapore Business Owners
  10. Filing Annual Returns For Your Business
Tax, Accounting and Audit Matters
  1. Carbon Tax in Singapore: What is the Rate and Who Must Pay?
  2. Laws and Penalties for GST Evasion in Singapore
  3. 6 Common Taxes in Singapore For Individuals & Businesses
  4. Singapore Corporate Tax: How to Pay, Tax Rate, Exemptions
  5. Start-Up Tax Exemption Guide for New Singapore Companies
  6. GST Registration: Requirements and Procedure in Singapore
  7. What is Withholding Tax and When to Pay It in Singapore
  8. Singapore Influencers: Here's How to Calculate Your Income Tax
  9. Tax Investigation of Tax-Evading Business Owners in Singapore
  10. Small Business Accounting Services in Singapore
  11. Company Audits in Singapore: Requirements and Exemptions
Data Protection
  1. Suspect a PDPA Data Breach? Here's What to Do Next
  2. Must You Notify PDPC About a Data Breach in Your Business?
  3. Data Room: Should Your Singapore Company Set Up One?
  4. Victim of a Data Breach? Here’s What You Can Do
  5. Summary: Your Organisation's 10 Main PDPA Obligations
  6. Essential PDPA Compliance Guide for Singapore Businesses
  7. PDPA Consent Requirements: How Can Your Business Comply?
  8. Is It Legal for Businesses to Ask for Your NRIC in Singapore?
  9. Here's a 7-Step Plan for Companies to Prevent Unauthorised Disclosure When Processing and Sending Personal Data
  10. Cloud Storage of Personal Data: Your Business’ Data Protection Obligations
  11. Drafting a Comprehensive Privacy Policy For Your Singapore Website
  12. GDPR Compliance in Singapore: Is it Required and How to Comply
  13. Appointing a Data Protection Officer For Your Business: All You Need to Know
  14. How Can Companies Dispose of Documents Containing Personal Data?
  15. Check the Do-Not-Call Registry Before Marketing to Singapore Phone Numbers
  16. How to Legally Install CCTVs for Home/Business Use in Singapore
  17. Is Web Scraping or Crawling Legal in Singapore?
  18. Legal Options If Employees Breach Confidentiality in Singapore
Marketing
  1. Social Media Marketing: Legal Guide for Singapore Businesses
  2. Your Guide to E-commerce Website Terms of Service in Singapore
  3. Dealing with Defamation of Your Business: Can You Sue?
  4. Sending Email Newsletters That Comply With Singapore Law
  5. A legal guide to drafting a social media policy for your company
  6. Your Guide to a Media Release Form in Singapore
  7. Your Guide to an Influencer Marketing Agreement in Singapore
  8. Outdoor Advertising: How to Legally Display Public Ads in Singapore
Fintech and Payment Services Advisory
  1. A Guide to Digital Bank Regulation in Singapore
  2. Applying for a Major Payment Institution Licence in Singapore
  3. Applying to the MAS FinTech Regulatory Sandbox
  4. Payment Services Act Licensing Guide for Fintech Businesses
  5. How to Get a Payment Service Provider Licence in Singapore
  6. Financial Adviser's Licence Guide for Singapore Businesses
  7. Capital Markets (CMS) Licence Requirements in Singapore
  8. How to Offer E-Wallet Services in Singapore: Licensing Guide
  9. Digital Payment Token Services Licence Guide in Singapore
  10. How to Legally Offer Crypto Services in Singapore
Franchising
  1. Starting a Franchise in Singapore: What Franchisors Should Look Out For
  2. Running a Franchise in Singapore: What To Look Out for as a Franchisee
Debt Restructuring
  1. What is Judicial Management and How It Works in Singapore
  2. Schemes of Arrangement: How They Work and How to Apply
  3. Informal Debt Restructuring and Workout in Singapore
Ending a Business
  1. How to Restore a Struck-Off Company in Singapore
  2. Claw-Back of Assets From Unfair Preference and Undervalued Transactions
  3. Should You Save or Close Your Zombie Company in Singapore?
  4. Voluntary Suspension of Business in Singapore: How to Handle
  5. Winding Up a Singapore Company: Grounds and Procedure
  6. Closing Your Singapore Business: What You Need to Settle
  7. Striking Off a Company
  8. Restoring a Company That was Struck Off Without You Knowing
  9. Dissolution of partnerships in Singapore
  10. What Should a Creditor Do When a Company Becomes Insolvent?
  11. How to File a Proof of Debt Against a Company in Liquidation
  12. Validation of Payments Made by Companies Being Wound Up