The Bailiwick of Guernsey Law came into force in May 2018 and from January 2021 all organisations in the northern isle will be legally required to register and pay an annual fee to the governing body, the Office of the Data Protection Authority.
The law applies to all organisations, businesses and sole traders who process and control personal data.
“The ODPA is there to help support and provide information in respect of organisation’s legal duties under the local data protection law,” said a spokesperson for the ODPA. “They wish to make sure everyone knows what is changing, why it’s changing, and most importantly: what they need to do.
“Ultimately it help us all to avoid data harms that can devastate people’s lives, careers, and reputations. The simple act of registering with the ODPA does not make you compliant with the law – how you treat people’s data determines that.”
The annual levy to be paid to the ODPA is based on the number of employees. Charities and non-profit organisations must register, but do not need to pay any annual fees. Businesses can register online by visiting www.odpa.gg.
Pictured top: Data Protection Commissioner Emma Martins.