Data Protection Officer "DPO": Chile and Mexico

The figure of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) has established itself as a key element in the governance of personal data, playing a strategic role in regulatory compliance, risk management and the implementation of good practices within organisations.

In Chile, its incorporation acquires special relevance within the framework of Law No. 21.719, which introduces the breach prevention model and expressly regulates this figure, establishing its designation, functions and requirements, together with the need to act with independence and specialised knowledge. In this context, the DPO is positioned as a fundamental actor to supervise compliance with the regulations, train staff and serve as a point of contact with the authority and data subjects.

In Mexico, although the regulations do not expressly use the term DPO, they do require the designation of a data protection officer within the organisation, whose function is equivalent in practice. This role is mainly regulated in the Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data in Possession of Individuals, highlighting its flexible approach and adapted to the size and level of risk of each organisation.

In both countries, the implementation of this figure allows strengthening the compliance culture, improving incident management and reinforcing the trust of customers and authorities. On the other hand, its absence can translate into greater regulatory risks, sanctions and weaknesses in data protection.

Thus, the DPO is not only a regulatory requirement or a best practice recommendation, but also a strategic opportunity for organisations seeking to adapt to an increasingly demanding environment in terms of privacy and data protection.