Understanding the Data Protection Act

Starting from December 1, 2023, the Data Protection Act will take effect. All Data Controllers are required to be compliant and register with the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). The OIC is Jamaica’s regulatory body for data protection and was established in accordance with the Data Protection Act (“DPA” or “the Act”) of 2020, which aims to guarantee data privacy and security for Jamaicans. In this interview, Shantole Thompson, the Communication & International Relations Manager at the Office of the Information Commissioner, and Ms. Celia Barclay, the Information Commissioner, discuss the role of the OIC in enforcing data protection laws, ensuring compliance, and handling complaints. They also speak about the implications of the Data Protection Act and its significance to individuals and organizations.