OIC Launches Website to Facilitate Registration

The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) has launched its website, allowing persons to complete the first step in registering with the entity as Data Controllers.

Under the Data Protection Act, 2020, those who hold, receive, use, collect or deal with the personally identifiable information of any individual are considered Data Controllers and must register with the OIC.

These persons can now create data controller accounts, ahead of the publication of the data controller registration form on the new website, which can be accessed at oic.gov.jm.

Speaking with JIS News recently, Information Commissioner, Celia Barclay, said access will be granted to the form after the Data Protection Regulations have been promulgated.

“Every effort is being made to expedite the completion of the Regulations. You will be notified as soon as the form becomes available, so that you can jump on it and move expeditiously,” Ms. Barclay said.

“We are constantly updating the website and have already added the My OIC Portal, which is what controllers will use to access the registration form,” she added.

Individuals are also being advised that registration will only be facilitated online from the OIC’s website. Additionally, they are being urged to pay attention to the information that is provided on the site.

Sections of the Data Protection Act, 2020 that speak to the rights of data subjects, requirements for data controllers, standards for processing personal data, and certain exemptions and miscellaneous provisions were brought into effect on December 1, 2023.

Meanwhile, those that create offences and provide for enforcement and penalties have been delayed, allowing Data Controllers to complete their registration up to six months from the Act’s implementation.