The States of Jersey and Guernsey are being urged to ensure sufficient resources are allocated to meet the challenges and opportunities of data protection.
Emma Martins (pictured), who is the independent data protection regulator in Jersey and Guernsey, says the Channel Islands are at a ‘turning point’ for data protection – and that this increasingly complex area requires appropriate levels of investment.
Ensuring the islands work together is essential to reap the economic benefits of data protection, according to Martins who is the Information Commissioner for Jersey and the Data Protection Commissioner for Guernsey.
Her comments come as her Office publishes its latest annual report, which highlights how a growing workload is putting pressure on resources. Martins’ team is helping lead the implementation of a major new data protection law, to reflect the requirements of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is applicable from May 2018.
They are dealing with a rise in the number and complexity of complaints relating to data protection, while continuing a public information campaign to inform individuals and organisations of their rights and responsibilities. Work is also underway to strengthen the data protection regulator’s independence from government, including IT systems and greater use of external lawyers.
"We are at a turning point for data protection with it taking on a truly global significance. If the Channel Islands want to be considered as an attractive, well-regulated jurisdiction in this new data-driven world, we need a clear vision and roadmap to take us forward," said Martins in her foreword to her Office’s annual report.
"I am extremely proud to head up teams across the Channel Islands who first and foremost see themselves as a unified office working in often challenging and high pressured circumstances. With an increasing and an increasingly complex workload it is clear that major reform is now required if we are going to be fit for purpose in the GDPR era.
The annual report shows that 52 data protection-related complaints were recorded in Jersey in 2016, up from 43 in 2015. There was a small increase in complaints in Guernsey to 42 over the same period – with two formal undertakings issued in relation to Guernsey complaints in 2016. However, much of the workload relates to general enquiries together with a rise in more resource-intensive cases with complex interlinked issues.
The Annual Report can be viewed here.