Which element is essential for data controllers under GDPR?

The appointment of a data protection officer is a crucial requirement for data controllers under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This role is designed to ensure compliance with GDPR provisions and to act as a point of contact for both data subjects and supervisory authorities. The data protection officer helps organizations navigate the complexities of data protection law, assists with risk assessments, and monitors compliance, thus ensuring that personal data is handled according to the legal requirements.

A data protection officer also helps foster a culture of data protection and can provide guidance on best practices, assist in training staff, and maintain records related to data processing activities. While appointment of this officer is mandatory under specific circumstances (such as for public authorities or organizations engaging in large-scale regular monitoring of individuals), it plays an essential role in overall data protection governance.

The other options do not align with the core requirements of GDPR. Limitless data storage is contrary to the principles of data minimization, open data access without restrictions could violate individuals' privacy rights, and the elimination of encryption strategies would undermine data security, which GDPR strives to protect.