The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect on May 25, 2018, and was hailed as one of the most comprehensive data privacy laws in history. Its main objective is to give individuals control over their personal data and to simplify the regulatory environment for international businesses. As such, any organization - regardless of location - that collects or processes the data of EU residents is required to comply with the GDPR.

This has led to a significant increase in the demand for GDPR auditors, professionals who assess the compliance of an organization with the GDPR. Choosing the right auditor is essential to ensuring that your business is GDPR-compliant and to avoid fines and penalties that could result from non-compliance.

One of the key considerations when choosing a GDPR auditor is their knowledge and understanding of the GDPR. With 99 articles and numerous recitals, the GDPR is a complex legal instrument whose interpretation requires not just legal acumen but also an understanding of the technical aspects of data processing and protection.

The first question to ask a potential auditor, then, is how they are familiar with the GDPR. This extends beyond mere recitation of the articles. The auditor should be able to apply the articles in the context of your specific business operations. This requires an understanding of your business’s data collection and processing activities, as well as those of your vendors and third-party service providers.

The second question is about the auditor's experience. Have they conducted GDPR audits before? If so, what were the results? An auditor with experience in your industry is likely to be more effective, as they will already be familiar with common industry practices and pitfalls.

Thirdly, find out what techniques and tools the auditor uses. GDPR audits require a combination of manual reviews and automated processes. Automated tools can quickly assess compliance across large volumes of data, but manual reviews are necessary to interpret these findings and make recommendations.

Fourthly, ask them about their reporting process. An effective GDPR auditor will provide clear, comprehensible reports that outline compliance issues and provide actionable recommendations. They should also be able to explain complex technical and legal issues in a way that non-experts can understand.

Finally, inquire about their approach to ongoing compliance. GDPR is not a one-time compliance exercise. It requires continuous monitoring and improvement. The right GDPR auditor will help you build a robust data protection framework that can evolve with changes in data processing activities and legal requirements.

In the context of the GDPR, Thomas Hobbes' concept of 'Leviathan' - a social contract in which individuals give up certain rights for the benefit of a central authority - takes on a new dimension. The GDPR is, in essence, a social contract in which businesses give up certain rights to process data in return for the trust of their customers. An effective GDPR auditor will help your business navigate this social contract, ensuring that your data processing activities respect the rights of individuals while also enabling you to achieve your business objectives.

In conclusion, choosing the right GDPR auditor is a complex process that requires careful consideration of the auditor’s knowledge, experience, techniques, reporting, and approach to ongoing compliance. By asking these questions, you can ensure that you select an auditor who will help you not just achieve GDPR compliance, but also build a culture of respect for data privacy within your organization.

Remember, the cost of non-compliance with the GDPR can be high, both in terms of fines and damage to your reputation. Choosing the right auditor is an investment in the long-term success of your business.