The General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) is the biggest reform of data protection legislation in the last two decades. When it comes into effect on 25 May 2018, in addition to applying to businesses within the EU, the GDPR will also affect any businesses outside the EU that offer products or services to EU customers or monitors EU citizens. This includes Jersey entities which meet these criteria.

Today, the Information Commissioner for Jersey and the Data Protection Commissioner for Guernsey (Emma Martins) has launched a new GDPR microsite (https://thinkgdpr.org/) to help organisations understand and prepare for the new data protection landscape. The microsite currently includes: an overview of the GDPR and helpful questionnaires to assist businesses in reviewing their data handling processes and highlight any areas which may require further attention prior to May 2018. It is anticipated that additional guidance materials will be added to the microsite over the coming months.

It is vitally important that local organisations act NOW in order to prepare for the new requirements. In this context the microsite contains information which is essential reading for everyone. For those who are unsure where to begin, this is a good place to start.

Read the Information Commissioner’s press release here: https://dataci.je/gdpr-one-year-to-go/