When people started complaining about internet privacy.

But remember, the Chief Human Resources Officer historically isn't on the side of employees. I'm of the view point that the CPO (*) isn't on the side of consumers. But it looks good to have one.

(Sorry to all of the Chief Petty Officers)

It looks like it became widespread in the early 2000s, in the U.S. at least [0].

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_privacy_officer