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Episode 71

Privacy, Facial Recognition, and Semi-Pro Football with DPO Paul Collier

Episode summary

Introduction: 0:00

  • Paul Collier, Data Protection Officer at The DPO Centre, joins the podcast.
  • Formerly working as a front-line police officer.
  • Refereeing for semi-professional football.

Working as a front-line police officer: 2:00

  • Paul on being a first responder.
  • Transferable skills between police officers and DPOs.
  • Protecting privacy.
  • Leaning on investigative skills in both roles.

What does a Data Protection Officer do?: 6:06

  • Paul on bridging legal concerns with business operations.
  • Demystifying new technologies.
  • Helping companies become more GDPR compliant.
  • Whether DPOs need to be trained as lawyers.

Considerations when hiring a DPO: 9:26

  • Paul on prioritizing practical experience over qualifications.
  • Balancing business needs with client requirements.

Counseling companies on facial recognition: 11:33

  • Paul on the lack of understanding of facial recognition technology.
  • Thinking of facial recognition as a useful tool in the right hands.
  • The need for total transparency.
  • Consulting with experts to ensure compliance.

Should governments regulate facial recognition technology?: 16:00

  • Paul on extreme surveillance states.
  • Pervading issues with facial recognitions.
  • Solutions that protect against bias.

How DPOs manage expectations with resistant clients: 20:36

  • Paul on applying the grandmother test.
  • Counseling clients on alternative solutions.

How DPOs can work effectively with legal departments: 23:49

  • Paul on working collaboratively with in-house counsel.
  • Working in step with technology departments.

Becoming a semi-professional football referee: 25:23

  • Paul on transitioning from player to ref.
  • Managing the stress of the moment.
  • Refereeing for the National League.
  • Becoming a referee full-time.

Rapid-fire questions: 30:06

  • Paul’s favorite part of the day-to-day.
  • Professional pet peeves.

Book recommendations: 32:13

  • Permanent Record by Edward Snowden
  • When the Dust Settles by Lucy Easthope.

What Paul wishes he’d known as a young lawyer: 33:33

  • Paul on slowing down.
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Host
Tyler Finn
Head of Community & Growth, SpotDraft
Guest
Paul Collier
Data Protection Officer, The DPO Centre

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