The Jersey Data Protection Authority (JDPA) has confirmed the reappointment of Jacob Kohnstamm as Chair of the JDPA for a further three years commencing on 25 May 2021.
Mr Kohnstamm has been in post as Chair of the JDPA since 2018. The Chair of the JDPA, along with other voting members, are appointed by the Island’s Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture in line
with the Data Protection Authority (Jersey) Law 2018.
As the Chair of the Jersey Data Protection Authority (JDPA), Mr Kohnstamm is ultimately responsible for implementing the Data Protection Authority (Jersey) Law 2018 and overseeing the regulation of the Data Protection law by the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner (JOIC). Mr Kohnstamm also
actively engages with Government of Jersey regarding the JDPA and data protection issues.
Mr Kohnstamm said: “Being reappointed as chair of the JDPA fills me with a sense of gratitude and renews my enthusiasm for the role. I am grateful to both the other members of the JDPA for their positive evaluation of my first term as Chair and to the minister for reappointing me.
“I am enthusiastic to continue with the role because, in our IT-driven society, effective data protection is now even more essential than ever to ensure that individuals trust how public authorities and private organisations treat their personal data. I am looking forward to serving as chair of the JDPA for the next three years!”
Previously, Mr Kohnstamm served as Chairman of the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party for six years; the advisory body composed of the chairs of all Data Protection Authorities in the European Union. Mr Kohnstamm also served as chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners for four years. Until recently, he was chairman of the Dutch Euthanasia Review Committee.
Earlier in his career, he was a member of the Dutch parliament for nearly 25 years and served as state secretary for Home Affairs.
