Data Privacy Team Structure

This question asks whether your company has people whose main job is to handle data privacy matters. Think of it like asking if you have a dedicated security guard versus just hoping employees will watch the door. Companies want to know if you take privacy seriously enough to invest in specialized expertise, not just treat it as a side responsibility.

Having dedicated privacy staff signals maturity and commitment to protecting customer data. Without it, you risk compliance failures, slower sales cycles with enterprise clients, and potential data breaches that could cost millions. Companies with privacy teams close deals faster, avoid regulatory fines, and build stronger customer trust—a competitive advantage in today's privacy-conscious market.

Many companies claim their IT team handles privacy, but technical security and legal privacy compliance are different disciplines. Another mistake is designating someone as 'privacy officer' in title only, without actual time allocation or training. This creates a false sense of security that crumbles during audits or incidents.