1. What is GDPR, and why is it important?

Answer:

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a data protection law that applies to all companies
processing personal data of individuals in the European Union. It is important because it gives
individuals control over their data, ensuring transparency and accountability from organizations that
handle it. GDPR also has stringent penalties for non-compliance, up to 4% of a company’s global
annual revenue. Understanding rights like data access and erasure under GDPR is essential to show
comprehensive knowledge.

2. What steps would you take if a data breach occurs?

Answer:

If a data breach occurs, the first step is to assess the situation by determining the extent of the
breach and which data has been compromised. I would immediately notify the incident response
team and work to contain and mitigate the breach. It’s crucial to inform affected individuals and
regulators within the 72-hour window mandated by GDPR. After the breach is contained, conducting
a post-incident analysis is important to prevent future occurrences. Highlighting the 72-hour
notification rule shows your awareness of GDPR compliance requirements.

3. Can you explain the difference between data privacy and data security?

Answer:

Data privacy focuses on how personal data is collected, stored, and used, ensuring that it is handled
in accordance with laws and the individual’s rights. Data security, on the other hand, involves
protecting data from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats through techniques like
encryption or secure access controls. Pointing out that privacy governs the ethical use of data, while
security ensures data is protected, can demonstrate clarity on both concepts.

4. What is a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), and when would you conduct one?

Answer:

A DPIA is a process to evaluate the potential risks associated with processing personal data,
particularly when introducing new technologies or conducting large-scale data processing. I would
conduct a DPIA when handling sensitive data, using new technologies, or if the data processing could
result in high privacy risks to individuals. The assessment helps ensure compliance with data
protection laws and mitigate any risks before they materialize. Giving an example like biometric data
or AI processing helps contextualize when a DPIA is necessary.
5. What are some of the key principles of data protection?

Answer:

Some key principles include:

• Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency: Data must be processed legally and

• Purpose limitation: Data should only be collected for specified, legitimate purposes.

• Data minimization: Only the data necessary for the intended purpose should be
collected.

• Accuracy: Data should be kept accurate and up to date.

• Storage limitation: Data should not be retained for longer than necessary.

• Integrity and confidentiality: Data should be processed securely to prevent

Referencing these principles demonstrates a solid grasp of the foundation of data protection under
laws like GDPR.

6. How do you stay updated on changes in data privacy regulations?

Answer:

I follow updates from regulatory bodies like the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). I’m also a member of communities like the IAPP, where
privacy professionals discuss the latest developments. Additionally, I subscribe to privacy law
newsletters and attend webinars on emerging privacy issues. Mentioning credible sources like IAPP
or EDPB highlights that you actively stay informed.

7. Why do you want to work in data privacy?

Answer:

I’m passionate about protecting individuals’ rights in a world where data is increasingly valuable.
Data privacy is crucial to building trust between organizations and individuals, and I want to be part
of that mission. With my legal background in privacy law and knowledge of frameworks like GDPR, I
feel I can contribute to helping organizations comply with regulations while safeguarding personal
data. Aligning your personal passion with the professional role shows motivation and dedication.

8. How would you approach updating or reviewing a company’s privacy policy?

Answer:

First, I would review the company’s current practices to ensure they align with the latest regulations,
like GDPR or India’s DPDP Act. I would then assess whether the privacy policy adequately covers how
personal data is collected, processed, and stored. I would work with both the legal and IT teams to
ensure the policy is legally sound and practically applicable. Regular audits and training would also
be part of the review process to ensure ongoing compliance. By mentioning collaboration with IT
and legal teams, you show a holistic approach to policy updates.

9. How would you explain a complex privacy law (like GDPR) to a non-technical stakeholder?

Answer:

I would break GDPR down into key concepts relevant to their role. For example, I might explain
GDPR in terms of personal rights—such as the right to access and delete data—and emphasize the
importance of transparency in how we handle personal information. I would avoid jargon and use
relatable examples, such as comparing a data breach to personal information being stolen, to make
it clear. This shows your ability to simplify complex concepts and communicate effectively across
departments.

10. How would you handle a situation where an employee is violating privacy policies?

Answer:

First, I would investigate the incident to understand whether it was accidental or intentional. I’d
work with HR and legal teams to determine appropriate actions, which could include additional
training or, in severe cases, disciplinary measures. It’s important to address the violation swiftly and
ensure that all employees understand the importance of adhering to privacy policies. Emphasizing
both corrective actions and education shows a balanced approach to handling violations.

By embedding the tips naturally into the answers, you can provide detailed and insightful responses
while subtly showcasing your depth of understanding.
11. Provide an overview of vendor risk assessment ( VRA ) and privacy impact assessment ( PIA )
process ?

Answer : The Vendor Risk Assessment (VRA) process is required by Supplier Risk Management (SRM)
in [Dealer] to be carried out across the [Dealer] group of companies, prior to the engagement of any
new Vendors in order to assess the risks that they may pose. The completion of this PIA Template by
both the business and Supplier is designed to assist the Privacy Office in assessing the Privacy risks.
The information revealed by this assessment should inform the provisions that are included in the
agreement between the business and the Supplier, to ensure that areas of concern are specifically
addressed. The overall goal is to ensure that Client or Employee Personal Information will only be
used in accordance with [Dealer] required Privacy standards and will be kept secure.