In the first week of 2021 the Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA) received over 400 direct registrations from organisations, businesses, sole traders and other entities which are using personal data.
All local organisations/businesses/sole-traders (and all other entities established in the Bailiwick of Guernsey) who are doing anything with personal data are legally required to register with the Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA), and pay an annual fee before 28th February.
The simple act of registering with the ODPA does not make an entity compliant with the law – how they treat people’s data determines that
Registration is the first step in that process of engagement and responsibility. Understanding legal obligations to look after people’s data benefits entities directly as it helps build trust and confidence with their customers, service users, staff and any other people whose data they use.
At time of writing, the ODPA had received the following direct registrations:
- over 290 small businesses (<49 staff)
- 6 large businesses (50 or more staff)
- over 90 charities/not-for-profits
In addition to these direct registrations, more than 800 entities have registered with an ODPA Levy Collection Agent.
Below is just a small selection of the types of registrations received so far. They highlight the extraordinary breadth of the ODPA’s regulated community, and underlines how universal the use of personal data is:
- School PTAs
- Construction companies
- Landlords
- Residents’ Associations
- Political parties
- Elected representatives
- Beauty salons
- PR agencies
- Sports clubs
- Law firms
- Campsites
- Nursing homes
- Psychotherapists
- Financial services companies
- Gaming companies
- Government
- Insurance providers
- Cyber security companies
- Diving companies
- IT providers
- Charity shops
- Trade associations
- Garages
- Taxi operators
- Churches
- Restaurants
- After school clubs
- Architects
- Regulatory bodies
- Plumbers
- Accountants
Emma Martins, the Bailiwick’s Data Protection Commissioner commented: “Registration is the first step for any organisation or entity handling personal data. It enables the ODPA to oversee an effective regulatory regime, independent of the States of Guernsey.
“This independence is essential for two reasons. Firstly, it ensures the Bailiwick is well-placed to take advantage of the digital era’s economic benefits by safeguarding the flow of data between us and other jurisdictions that is essential for trade. And secondly it promotes the protection of all islanders’ rights over their personal data – any information about them.
“I want to sincerely thank all those that have engaged early with their statutory duties. We will continue working hard to support and engage our regulated community to allow everyone to benefit from living and working in a well-regulated jurisdiction”.
