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PECB GDPR Exam - Topic 2 Question 9 Discussion

Actual exam question for PECB's GDPR exam
Question #: 9
Topic #: 2
[All GDPR Questions]

Scenario 3:

COR Bank is an international banking group that operates in 31 countries. It was formed as the merger of two well-known investment banks in Germany. Their two main fields of business are retail and investment banking. COR Bank provides innovative solutions for services such as payments, cash management, savings, protection insurance, and real-estate services. COR Bank has a large number of clients and transactions. Therefore, they process large information, including clients' personal dat

a. Some of the data from the application processes of COR Bank, including archived data, is operated by Tibko, an IT services company located in Canada. To ensure compliance with the GDPR, COR Bank and Tibko have reached a data processing agreement Based on the agreement, the purpose and conditions of data processing are determined by COR Bank. However, Tibko is allowed to make technical decisions for storing the data based on its own expertise. COR Bank aims to remain a trustworthy bank and a long-term partner for its clients. Therefore, they devote special attention to legal compliance. They started the implementation process of a GDPR compliance program in 2018. The first step was to analyze the existing resources and procedures. Lisa was appointed as the data protection officer (DPO). Being the information security manager of COR Bank for many years, Lisa had knowledge of the organization's core activities. She was previously involved in most of the processes related to information systems management and data protection. Lisa played a key role in achieving compliance to the GDPR by advising the company regarding data protection obligations and creating a data protection strategy. After obtaining evidence of the existing data protection policy, Lisa proposed to adapt the policy to specific requirements of GDPR. Then, Lisa implemented the updates of the policy within COR Bank. To ensure consistency between processes of different departments within the organization, Lisa has constantly communicated with all heads of GDPR. Then, Lisa implemented the updates of the policy within COR Bank. To ensure consistency between processes of different departments within the organization, Lisa has constantly communicated with all heads of departments. As the DPO, she had access to several departments, including HR and Accounting Department. This assured the organization that there was a continuous cooperation between them. The activities of some departments within COR Bank are closely related to data protection. Therefore, considering their expertise, Lisa was advised from the top management to take orders from the heads of those departments when taking decisions related to their field. Based on this scenario, answer the following Questio n:

Questio n:

Based on scenario 3, Lisa was advised to take orders from the heads of other departments. Is this acceptable under GDPR?

Show Suggested Answer Hide Answer
Suggested Answer: C

Under Article 38(3) of GDPR, the DPO must operate independently, without receiving instructions regarding the execution of their tasks. A DPO should not be pressured or influenced by the organization when assessing data protection compliance.

Option C is correct because GDPR explicitly states that DPOs must act independently.

Option A is incorrect because no department heads should interfere with the DPO's decisions.

Option B is incorrect because DPOs should not take orders on GDPR matters.

Option D is incorrect because DPOs must not be influenced by management, even if they provide general compliance guidance.


GDPR Article 38(3) (DPO independence)

Recital 97 (DPO's autonomy and protection from pressure)

Contribute your Thoughts:

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Gearldine
2 months ago
As long as it aligns with GDPR, I see no issue with collaboration.
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Tasia
2 months ago
Definitely not acceptable, DPO needs to be free from pressure.
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Christiane
2 months ago
Lisa should have full independence as DPO, no outside orders!
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Shalon
3 months ago
I think it's okay for her to take advice from department heads.
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Justine
3 months ago
Surprised they let management influence the DPO's decisions!
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Anglea
3 months ago
I vaguely recall that the GDPR stresses the DPO's autonomy, so I think option C might be the right choice, but I could be mistaken.
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Odelia
3 months ago
I feel like option D makes sense because the DPO needs to align with the organization's goals, but I worry it might compromise their independence.
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Charolette
4 months ago
I think I saw a similar question in practice exams where the DPO's independence was emphasized, but I'm not entirely sure if management can guide them in some areas.
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Celeste
4 months ago
I remember discussing how the DPO should operate independently to avoid conflicts of interest, so I'm leaning towards option C.
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Rodney
4 months ago
This is a tricky one, but I think the key is to focus on the independence of the DPO. From what I understand, the DPO should be able to make decisions without undue influence from the organization. I'll need to analyze the scenario and the GDPR requirements to determine the best approach.
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Suzan
4 months ago
I'm feeling a bit confused here. The scenario seems to suggest that the DPO is being influenced by other departments, but I'm not sure if that's actually allowed under GDPR. I'll need to carefully consider the implications.
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Nguyet
4 months ago
Okay, let's think this through step-by-step. The scenario mentions that the DPO is advised to take orders from department heads, but I'm not sure if that's in line with GDPR. I'll need to review the regulations closely.
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Eleonore
5 months ago
Hmm, this is a tricky situation. I think the key is to focus on the GDPR requirements and whether the DPO's ability to make independent decisions is being compromised.
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Norah
5 months ago
I'm not entirely sure about this one. The scenario seems complex, and I'll need to carefully review the details to determine the appropriate approach.
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Felicitas
8 months ago
I bet the department heads were like, 'Hey, Lisa, do this, do that.' And Lisa was probably thinking, 'Yeah, no, that's not how this works.'
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Ma
6 months ago
B) Yes, the DPO shall take instructions and tasks from employee members if required by the organization.
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Zachary
6 months ago
C) No, the organization should not influence, nor put pressure on the DPO for any decision taken.
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Lucille
7 months ago
A) Yes, only heads of departments within a financial institution are allowed to give orders to the DPO.
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Donette
8 months ago
But what if the heads of other departments have expertise in data protection? Wouldn't it be beneficial for the DPO to take their input?
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Shawna
8 months ago
I agree with you, Dottie. The DPO's role is to ensure GDPR compliance without any influence from other departments.
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Dottie
8 months ago
I think the DPO should be independent and not take orders from other departments.
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Rebecka
8 months ago
The DPO should be an independent role, not just another cog in the corporate machine. Letting department heads call the shots defeats the whole purpose of having a DPO.
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Phung
9 months ago
Taking orders from department heads? That's like asking a traffic cop to take orders from the drivers they're trying to ticket. Not a good idea at all.
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Alonso
8 months ago
C) No, the organization should not influence, nor put pressure on the DPO for any decision taken.
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Edna
8 months ago
Taking orders from department heads ensures smooth coordination and compliance.
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Dorethea
8 months ago
A) Yes, only heads of departments within a financial institution are allowed to give orders to the DPO.
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