Virtual Data Protection Officer (vDPO) services provide organizations with expert data protection guidance and compliance support without the need for an in-house DPO. These services are particularly beneficial for SMEs and startups, offering a cost-effective solution to meet regulatory requirements such as GDPR, DPDPA, and other data protection laws. A vDPO assists in implementing data protection frameworks, conducting risk assessments, handling Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs), managing incident response, ensuring third-party compliance, and providing ongoing training and updates on regulatory changes. By leveraging a vDPO, businesses can ensure robust privacy governance while focusing on their core operations.

Our Solutions

Advoke International provides end-to-end vDPO services to enterprises of all sizes and across several sectors. Our unique solutions comprise:

Outsourced DPO Services:

Outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) services provide businesses with an external, expert resource to fulfil the DPO role as required under regulations like GDPR or DPDPA. These services are ideal for organizations that process large volumes of personal data or sensitive information but lack the internal expertise or capacity to appoint a full-time DPO. An outsourced DPO ensures compliance with data protection laws by monitoring internal practices, advising on data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), acting as a point of contact for regulatory authorities, and managing data subject rights requests. This flexible and cost-effective solution enables businesses to maintain compliance and reduce risks while benefiting from specialized expertise.

Depending upon certain factors, an organisation may need to mandatorily appoint a DPO to oversee data protection practices.

Read more about the Role of a DPO by clicking here.

Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA):

A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is a systematic process designed to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to the privacy and rights of individuals arising from data processing activities. Required under regulations like GDPR and DPDPA for high-risk processing, a DPIA helps organizations evaluate the necessity, proportionality, and potential impact of their data processing operations. The assessment involves mapping data flows, identifying risks, and implementing measures to mitigate those risks, such as encryption or access controls. By conducting a DPIA, organizations can ensure compliance, enhance accountability, and demonstrate their commitment to protecting personal data while minimizing regulatory and reputational risks.

Depending upon certain circumstances, an organisation may need to conduct a DPIA prior to the initiation of processing activities.

Transfer Impact Assessment (TIA):

A Transfer Impact Assessment (TIA) is a detailed evaluation of the legal and regulatory framework governing personal data in a destination country to determine whether it ensures adequate protection as required under laws like GDPR. TIAs are often necessary when transferring personal data to jurisdictions outside the EU or other regions with similar data protection standards. In some cases, they may be mandatory, such as when relying on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) for data transfers. The TIA process involves assessing the local legal environment, identifying risks to data subjects’ rights, and implementing supplementary safeguards to address any gaps in protection. Conducting a TIA demonstrates due diligence, compliance with legal obligations, and a commitment to safeguarding data in cross-border transfers.

Third-Party Risk Assessment (TPRA):

A Third-Party Risk Assessment (TPRA) evaluates the data protection and security risks associated with engaging external vendors, service providers, or partners who process personal data on behalf of an organization. This assessment is crucial for ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR, DPDPA, and other data protection laws, which mandate accountability for third-party processing activities. The TPRA process involves reviewing the third party’s data protection practices, security measures, contractual safeguards, and compliance certifications. It also assesses their ability to handle incidents and ensure data subject rights. By conducting a TPRA, organizations can mitigate potential risks, ensure contractual compliance, and maintain robust oversight of third-party relationships to protect personal data and maintain trust.

Data Breach Notification:

Data Breach Notification is a critical process required under laws like GDPR, DPDPA, and other data protection regulations to ensure transparency and accountability in the event of a personal data breach. It involves promptly identifying and assessing the breach, determining its scope and impact, and notifying the relevant stakeholders, including data protection authorities and affected individuals, where required. Notifications must include details about the breach, such as its nature, the types of data involved, potential risks to data subjects, and measures taken to mitigate harm. Timely and compliant data breach notification not only fulfils legal obligations but also helps organizations maintain trust, minimize reputational damage, and demonstrate their commitment to data protection.

Drafting/Review Services:

Drafting and Review Services for data protection compliance involve creating, evaluating, and refining critical documents to ensure alignment with applicable regulations like GDPR, DPDPA, and other privacy laws. These services cover a range of essential documents, including privacy policies, data processing agreements, cookie policies, incident response plans, and consent notices. By tailoring these documents to the organization’s specific operations and data handling practices, these services help mitigate legal risks, enhance transparency, and establish clear guidelines for data handling. Regular reviews ensure that the documents remain up-to-date with regulatory changes and evolving business needs, fostering trust with stakeholders and demonstrating a strong commitment to privacy.

Complaint Filing & Response:

Complaint Filing and Response services assist organizations in navigating regulatory interactions and resolving data protection disputes efficiently. For complaint filing, these services help individuals or organizations draft and submit well-structured complaints to relevant authorities, detailing violations of privacy laws like GDPR or DPDPA. For responses, they support organizations in managing and addressing complaints received from data subjects or regulators by drafting comprehensive, compliant replies that mitigate risks and demonstrate accountability. This includes investigating the complaint, gathering evidence, and proposing resolutions or corrective actions. These services ensure that all communications align with regulatory expectations, protect organizational interests, and foster trust and transparency in handling privacy concerns.

DPF Self-Certification:

Data Privacy Framework (DPF) Self-Certification is a process that enables organizations to comply with data transfer requirements under frameworks like the EU-U.S. or Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Frameworks. This process is particularly relevant for U.S.-based entities receiving personal data from the EU, Switzerland, or other participating jurisdictions. To self-certify, organizations must commit to adhering to specific privacy principles, such as notice, choice, accountability for onward transfers, data security, data integrity, and access. The self-certification involves completing an application, submitting it to the U.S. Department of Commerce, and annually reaffirming compliance. By achieving DPF self-certification, organizations can facilitate lawful cross-border data transfers, demonstrate their commitment to privacy, and enhance trust with international partners and customers.