Website launched to help with new data protection regulations

Thursday 25 May 2017

With one year to go until the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force across the European Union, the Office of the Information Commissioner has launched a website to help businesses with the new legislation.

Guidance and advice will be available on the thinkGDPR website so that businesses are aware of their responsibilities and have time to prepare for what is described as, "...an evolution of the current legislation."

The GDPR is coming into force to strengthen data protection rights for individuals and harmonise compliance requirements for businesses. It will be the largest change to the protection of personal data across Europe since the implementation, in 1995, of the EU Data Protection Directive. At the time, and in response to the transfer controls on data exported from the EU, the Channel Islands implemented the Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2001 and the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2005 which ensured the continued free flow of data to the islands as well as ensured improved rights for citizens.

Pictured: A screenshot of the ThinkGDPR website launched by the Office of the Information Commissioner.

Emma Martins, Information Commissioner, commented on the launch of the website, saying that awareness of GDPR was greater than six months ago. "With 365 days to go we have launched a microsite which will become a useful portal for businesses looking for guidance.  I urge islanders to keep an eye on this as we will be uploading information as it becomes available. I also want to give reassurance to businesses that GDPR is not a revolution, it's an evolution of current data legislation, so if you’re compliant currently, you have a great base from which to work.

"Local legislation is currently being drafted and both Jersey and Guernsey’s governments have committed to a harmonised approach to this. When this legislation is finalised we can then start to develop more detailed guidance. We have issued general guidance on GDPR but we know we’ve got work to do to make sure businesses have access to specific guidance. We are working very hard behind the scenes to make sure that our office is ready for the changes and that includes supporting businesses in their preparedness going forward."