Select a region
The European Commission has pledged to further strengthen relations with Guernsey and Jersey on data privacy and protection.
The islands are among the small group of non-EU countries that are the subject of an ‘adequacy decision’ by the Commission, which is an official certification that the islands meet essentially equivalent data protection standards to those applying in the EU.
At a recent meeting in Brussels, a pan-Channel Island delegation updated the Commission on legislative, regulatory and policy developments since our original adequacy decisions were adopted and explained the efforts being made in both Bailiwicks to implement the GDPR and the new directive.
‘Much work has been done in recent months across the Channel Islands to ensure we are strongly positioned to respond to the impending reform of data protection regulation. The visit by representatives of the islands and this office was a significant step for us all,’ said Emma Martins, Guernsey’s Data Protection Commissioner.
‘Maintaining the islands’ reputation as a well-regulated jurisdiction, in respect of data protection, is more important than ever. Ensuring the Channel Islands provide a robust framework of protection for personal data is vital not only for established businesses, as when done well it is also fundamental for economic growth and innovation in this digital era.
‘I am delighted that both the States of Jersey and the States of Guernsey have committed to high quality legislative reform for the islands and my team and I are equally committed to delivering a meaningful and effective regulatory regime.’
In May 2018 a new data protection regime will come into force in the EU – the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) together with the Law Enforcement Directive, which applies a similar regime to exchanges of personal data between law enforcement authorities. Guernsey and Jersey have committed to implementing into domestic law, by May 2018, essentially equivalent provisions to the GDPR and the new Law Enforcement Directive.
Deputy Mary Lowe, president of the Committee for Home Affairs, Guernsey, added: 'It is crucial that Guernsey meets the necessary legislative standards when the EU's General Data Protection Regulation comes into force next year. We must have similarly robust legislation if the island is to maintain adequacy and ensure continued access to the EU single market, considered vital for Guernsey's economy.
'The recent meeting with the Commission was productive and served to underline work being carried out by the Channel Islands in preparation for GDPR. This project, in which we are collaborating extensively with Jersey, will serve to safeguard both islands' interests moving forwards.'
