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External vs Internal DPO: A Decision Guide
Zala Skandary
The DPO: An Essential Function
Mandatory for certain organisations under the GDPR.
Internal DPO
Deep organisational knowledge but high cost and conflict of interest risk.
External DPO (DPO-as-a-Service)
Specialised expertise, guaranteed independence, controlled cost (EUR 1,500-4,000/month).
Decision Matrix
| Criterion | Internal | External |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 90-150K EUR | 18-48K EUR |
| Independence | Risk | Guaranteed |
| Expertise | Variable | High |
Recommendation
For SMEs, an external DPO offers the best value.
Contact us to assess the best option.