The UK Privy Council has given its approval to Guernsey's new Data Protection Law.
The new law, which implements Europe's requirements under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Law Enforcement Directive, will now come into force on 25 May – the same day that the GDPR comes into effect across all EU Member States.
Privy Council approval of the Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2017 follows its approval in February of the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 and the Data Protection Authority (Jersey) Law 2018.
Carey Olsen partner Elaine Gray said: "GDPR will impact all business in the Channel Islands when it comes into force on 25 May, so it is therefore reassuring that both Guernsey and Jersey have gained Privy Council approval for their respective laws well in advance of the go-live date. It demonstrates that we are at the front of the regulatory track and that people can rely on the jurisdictions for secure transactions and good standards of business."
Guernsey and Jersey have also recently secured commitment from the European Commission regarding the continuation of their 'adequacy status' relating to data protection standards. The commitment came following a meeting between the Guernsey and Jersey governments and the European Commission's Directorate General for Justice and Consumers.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.