Carey Olsen to host second annual data protection and cyber security conference on the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Carey Olsen is hosting a half day conference with a principal focus on examining how the GDPR will impact Guernsey businesses. The conference will include presentations from government bodies and leading industry authorities in this sector.

The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect from 25 May 2018 and introduces new accountability obligations, stronger rights for individuals over their personal data and restrictions on international data flows.  Similar regulations will be introduced in Guernsey and will affect all local businesses regarding the way they handle personal data.

Speakers will include the Data Protection Commissioner and representatives from the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, the States of Guernsey, C5 Alliance, the Financial Investigation Unit and specialist lawyers from Carey Olsen.  They will look at the latest developments in the legislation, the challenges it will present and what steps companies need to take to prepare for the new regime.

Carey Olsen partner, Mark Dunster, said: “The new legislation is an essential step to strengthen citizens' fundamental rights in the digital age and facilitate businesses’ adaptation to the changing technological environment. The introduction of GDPR will be transformative for how businesses handle personal data. This conference offers a great opportunity to come and hear from government and industry experts who will look at the most pertinent points to consider and how to prepare for the changes in regulation.”

Counsel at Carey Olsen, Richard Field, who sits on the GDPR Industry Working Party, said: "Whilst it may seem like May 2018 is some way off, in practical terms it is far closer than many appreciate. Guernsey will have equivalent legislation in place and so GDPR will impact on all of us in some way. One of the key aspects to protecting Guernsey's position is maintaining equivalent standards and so we look forward to sharing ideas and collaborating with local businesses in the months to come."

The conference takes place on Thursday 6 April at St Pierre Park Hotel from 8.00am until 12.30pm. To register or for more information, please contact Eilish Ashworth, at Carey Olsen on tel 732018 or email eilish.ashworth@careyolsen.com