Guernsey’s 82 election candidates have been given advice by the Data Protection Authority to ensure they know the rules about safeguarding the information they hold on the island’s 27,316 registered voters.

The Office of the Data Protection Authority said it has issued the guidance specifically to ensure the 82 members of the public who are standing for election to the States know about their obligations and responsibilities within the Data Protection law.

The ODPA has defined what constitutes personal data under the Law, emphasising that it includes any information relating to an individual, with political opinions being a special category requiring extra protection.

The ODPA has also clarified that the candidates are considered a ‘Controller’ of the personal data held on the Electoral Roll, and therefore the 82 candidates are legally responsible for its proper handling during their campaigns.

There is legal requirement for candidates to register as controllers with the Data Protection Authority, but the fee will be waived for them in this context.

  • Pictured; The 82 election hopefuls vying for a place in next yea’s political cast.
  • Pictured; The 82 election hopefuls vying for a place in next yea’s political cast.
  • Pictured; The 82 election hopefuls vying for a place in next yea’s political cast.
  • Pictured; The 82 election hopefuls vying for a place in next yea’s political cast.
  • Pictured; The 82 election hopefuls vying for a place in next yea’s political cast.
  • Pictured; The 82 election hopefuls vying for a place in next yea’s political cast.

The Electoral Roll, which candidates can access, contains the names and addresses of 27,316 people.

The ODPA has stressed the importance of adhering to the rules governing its use, particularly the restrictions on sharing any of the information held on the Electoral Roll with other parties.

Candidates are warned that failure to comply with data protection rules could lead to regulatory action.

“It is your responsibility to properly store any personal data, collected through your campaigning as a prospective candidate or provided to you via the Electoral Roll,” said the ODPA.

“Failing to implement appropriate safeguards to protect records (electronic and physical) can result in personal data breaches and scrutiny by the Authority.”

Candidates can find the full guidance issued to hopeful candidates on the ODPA website HERE.