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Almost 2,000 local businesses, sole traders and charities have registered with the Office of the Data Protection Authority so far this year, ahead of Sunday's deadline.
Many local businesses have in the past been exempt from registering with the ODPA; however, as of January this year, the rules have changed.
All relevant entities have to sign up with the ODPA and pay an annual fee.
Pictured: A three tier pay structure is in place for businesses and sole traders who register.
Registration is the first step in taking responsibility for people’s data. Businesses will have to comply with numerous legal obligations when handling personal data.
The new registration regime came into effect on 1 January this year and has since seen 1,900 small businesses, 44 large businesses and 440 charities register.
“Registration is an important first step for any organisation or entity handling personal data,” said the Bailiwick’s Data Protection Commissioner, Emma Martins.
“We are extremely mindful of the challenges so many of our community are currently facing and will continue to provide as much support as possible to those for whom this is a new duty,” she said.
Pictured: These are just a few examples of entities in the island who will need to sign up with the ODPA.
One of the first sole traders to register with the ODPA was Nicole Bromley, who trades as Copper.
“I was previously exempt from registering with the ODPA, but it was first on my to do list on New Year’s Day," she said.
“It’s great to see the ODPA are supporting all business to improve our understanding of our legal obligations and I’m learning lots."
More information on registering can be found online.
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