Become a Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO)

• History and evolution of privacy as a right.
• Overview of major global privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Core definitions: Personal Data, PII (Personally Identifiable Information), Sensitive Personal Data, Processing, Data Controller, Data Processor.
• Identifying key privacy stakeholders within an organization and the regulatory landscape.

• History and legislative journey of the DPDPA.
• Applicability: Territorial and material scope.
• The 7 Principles of Data Protection under DPDPA.
• Grounds for lawful processing.
• Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDFs): Criteria and additional obligations.

• GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) principles.
• Developing a data privacy vision, mission, and strategy.
• Creating a comprehensive Data Privacy Governance Framework.
• Data Risk management strategies.
• Drafting and implementing key documentation: Data Protection Policy, Privacy Notice, etc.
• The concept of Privacy by Design and Default.
• Introduction to Privacy Enhancing Tools (PETs).

• The DPO’s role as per DPDPA and GDPR.
• Key responsibilities: monitoring compliance, advising on DPIAs, acting as a contact point.
• Reporting structures: Reporting to the highest level of management/board.
• Essential skills: Legal, IT, risk management, and communication.
• Managing Legal & Regulatory Risk.
• Collaboration with other functions (Legal, IT, InfoSec, HR, Marketing).

• Data discovery methodologies (questionnaires, interviews, automated tools).
• Creating and maintaining an inventory of personal data assets.
• Understanding data lifecycles from collection to deletion.

Data Flow Diagramming (DFD).

• Legal requirements for maintaining RoPA under DPDPA and GDPR.
• Mandatory fields and essential information to include.
• Using RoPA as a foundation for risk assessments and demonstrating accountability.
• Process for regular review and updates.

• Principles of data minimization and storage limitation.
• Defining and documenting data retention schedules for different data types.
• Procedures for secure data archival.
• Methods for secure data disposal and deletion (e.g., wiping, degaussing, physical destruction).
• Understanding the “Erasure of Personal Data” timeline (as per DPDP Rules).

• The definition of valid consent: Free, specific, informed, unambiguous, and clear affirmative action.
• The form and content of a valid notice.
• The right to withdraw consent and the ease of withdrawal.
• Consent vs. Deemed Consent: Understanding the difference.

• The role of the “Consent Manager” under the DPDPA.
• User experience design for consent interfaces.
• Technical implementation: Consent Management Platforms (CMPs).
• Recording, tracking, and managing consent and withdrawal records.

• Specific rules for processing children’s personal data.
• Obtaining verifiable parental/guardian consent.
• Cookie types (essential, functional, marketing) and their legal implications.
• Drafting a compliant Cookie Policy and implementing a cookie banner.
• Conducting a cookie audit and reporting.

• Overview of Data Subject Rights under DPDPA (Right to Access, Correction, Erasure, etc.).
• Building a DSAR intake, verification, and fulfillment workflow.
• eDiscovery considerations in DSAR fulfillment.
• Grounds for refusing a request (derogations).
• Timelines and requirements for responding to requests.
• Maintaining a DSAR log.

• Difference between a PIA and a DPIA.
• Triggers: When is a DPIA mandatory?
• The DPIA process: Describing the processing, assessing necessity, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Assessing risks of new technologies (e.g., AI & Privacy).
• Consulting with the DPO and, if necessary, the Data Protection Board.
• Periodic review of DPIAs.

• Restrictions on international data transfers.
• Concept of “adequacy” and the government’s role in specifying permitted countries.
• Legal transfer mechanisms: Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs), explicit consent.
• Conducting Transfer Impact Assessments (TIAs)

• Differentiating between a security incident and a data breach.
• Understanding threat vectors (OSINT, Synthetic Identity).
• Data Breach & Dark Web
• DFIR (Digital Forensics and Incident Response)
• The four phases of incident response: Preparation, Detection & Analysis, Containment & Eradication, Post-Incident Activity.
• Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCP/DR)

• Mandatory breach notification requirements under DPDPA.
• Timelines for notification (e.g., “without delay,” “72 hours”).
• Information to be included in the notification to the Data Protection Board and affected individuals.
• Maintaining a data breach register.
• Communication strategies to manage reputational damage.

• The legal distinction and responsibilities of Data Fiduciaries and Data Processors.
• Vendor due diligence and risk assessment processes.
• Drafting and negotiating Data Processing Agreements (DPAs).
• Ongoing monitoring and auditing of data processors.
• Future Strategy for Compliance Professionals.