GDPR law approved by Privy Council

Thursday 29 March 2018

The UK Privy Council has given its approval to Guernsey's new Data Protection Law, meaning plans for it to come into force on May 25 can go ahead.

Europe's requirements for data protection are going to be implemented under the new law on the same day as all other EU member states.

The Privy Council has to approve all new laws that go through Guernsey - though it is a rare occasion they deny them.

"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^th 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," Deputy Mary Lowe, President of the Committee for Home Affairs, said.

"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."

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.

It 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.

The law can be read here. It will become law on 25 May this year.

The new laws will be overseen by Emma Martins, who was appointed Guernsey's Data Protection Commissioner recently.