The UK Privy Council has given its approval to Guernsey’s new Data Protection Law.
The new law, which implements Europe’s requirements under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Law Enforcement Directive, will come into force on 25 May 2018 – the same day that the GDPR comes into effect across all EU Member States.
On 9 March 2018 officials from the Guernsey and Jersey governments held a meeting in Brussels with the European Commission’s Directorate General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) to discuss data protection issues.
The meeting was an opportunity for the Channel Islands delegation to bring the Commission up to date with legislative, regulatory and policy developments since the previous meeting with DG JUST on 28 February 2017 and to discuss points arising. The Commission has made clear that it remains committed to ensuring the continuity of the existing adequacy decision for Guernsey and Jersey and to further strengthen relations in the area of data privacy and data protection.
Deputy Mary Lowe, President of the Committee for Home Affairs said:
“It is very good news that Guernsey’s new Data Protection Law has been approved by the Privy Council and will be in place for 25 May 2018 and that officers have recently had the opportunity, along with Jersey colleagues to meet with DG JUST to continue our fruitful discussions in relation to data protection matters.
“The Committee looks forward to working with the community and the Data Protection Authority to ensure the Bailiwick remains a preferred place to do business and where residents can remain confident that their data is being handled with proper safeguards.”
