Data protection complaints in public sector top the list

Friday 09 June 2023

Data protection complaints against the public sector continue to clearly outstrip other areas of work.

In 2022, the Data Protection Commission received 24 complaints involving the government, its annual report shows, although other sectors are more likely to self-report an issue.

Health, social and charitable work self-reported the most breaches in 2022 and was the second most complained about with nine issues raised.

“There are sectors that are always going to be on the receiving end of a greater number of issues and complaints,” said Data Protection Commissioner Emma Martins.

“The public sector handle significant volumes of often very sensitive information about the population."

Pictured: Emma Martins

“The nature of the relationship between the citizen and the state, in that it is rarely voluntary, means it is unsurprising that they receive a high number of complaints," said Ms Martins.

“Equally, organisations working in health and finance feature on our statistics because of the scale and nature of processing in these areas. As uncomfortable as it can be to be on the receiving end of complaints, we must not lose sight of the fact that it points to us having a regime of accountability and transparency in place in the Bailiwick. These are fundamental pillars in any democracy and we should view them as such. It is something to be proud of, not resistant to.”

She will step down from the role at the end of 2023 having been in post as Guernsey’s data protection commissioner since 2018 and before that holding a role that spanned the Channel Islands.

“I’m enormously proud of the regulatory office we have built. Each and every one of the team is focussed on what we are here to do – deliver independent oversight of a law which has increasing importance and relevance in all our lives,” she said.

“The need for people with integrity, driven by a strong sense of purpose and public service to work in this area has never been so urgent. To have found those people to work alongside in the creation of this office has been an extraordinary privilege. 

“There are going to be many challenges ahead for all of us, whether we work in this field or not. Data is inextricably linked to almost every aspect of our individual and collective lives. The Bailiwick can be proud of its contribution and of the framework it has put in place. Beyond official reports and publications, it is simply about treating each other with kindness, respect and dignity.”

The ODPA published its new Strategic Plan (2023-2026) earlier this year.