Privacy Policy

The Jamaica Information Service (hereinafter referred to as “JIS”, “Agency”) respects your right to privacy. This document explains how the JIS collects, uses, stores and protects your personal data and outlines your rights and the Agency’s responsibilities. It applies to any personal information provided to the JIS directly or through its websites and to any personal information collected from other sources. The JIS might aggregate personal data from different sources (websites, offline events) and across different devices.

This Notice does not apply to your use of a third-party website which may be linked to the Agency’s websites. We encourage you to read those privacy policies to learn how they collect and use your information.

If you do not provide the necessary personal data to us, we may not be able to provide you with our services.

As business and technology evolve, the JIS may need to change this Notice and you are encouraged to regularly review same to ensure that you are up to date with how the JIS uses your Personal Data.

A. WHAT IS PERSONAL DATA (PERSONAL INFORMATION)?

‘Personal Data/Personal Information’ means any information relating to a living individual or an individual who has been deceased for less than thirty years who can be identified from that information alone or from that information and other information in the possession of, or likely to come into the possession of the data controller and includes any expression of opinion about that individual and any indication of the intentions of the data controller or any other person in respect of that individual.

B. WHAT PERSONAL DATA DOES JIS COLLECT AND HOW?

Information is collected when the Agency provides media coverage, a request for service is made, a data subject uses the Agency’s websites or applications, fees are collected/paid to the Agency, members of the public contact the Agency with a complaint or query, customers provide feedback about the Agency, members of the public fill in a form, send the Agency an email, call the JIS, share content on the Agency’s websites or publicly share information about the JIS, apply for a job, or contact the JIS on social media. JIS also collects data when you access its websites or applications including IP address, device ID, browser used or how you interact with its websites. Information collected include:

Personal details and contact information such as name, personal email address, phone number and mailing address.
Official document information – to verify your identity.
Demographic information and interest – Date of birth, age or age range, gender, and geographic location.
Information from computer/mobile device – about the computer system or other technological device that you use to access our websites or applications, such as the IP address used to connect your computer or device to the internet, operating system type and web browser type and version. If you access the JIS’s websites or applications via a mobile device such as a smartphone, the collected information will also include where permitted, your phone’s unique device ID, advertising ID, geo-location, and other similar mobile device data.
Websites/communication usage information – as you navigate through and interact with our websites/applications or newsletters, we use automatic data collection technologies to collect certain information about your actions. This includes information such as links you click on, which pages or content you view and for how long and other similar information and statistics about your interactions, such as content response times, download errors and length of visits to certain pages. This information is captured using automated technologies such as cookies and web beacons and is also collected through the use of third-party tracking for analytics and advertising purposes.
Market Research and Consumer feedback – that you voluntarily share with the JIS about your experience after using our services.
Consumer-generated content – any content you create and then share with the JIS on third party social networks or by uploading it to our websites or applications. Examples include photos, videos, personal stories, or other similar media content.
Payment and Financial information – any information that we need in order to fulfil a request or service, such as your credit card details or other forms of payment.
CCTV Footage – from surveillance cameras, photographs.
Sensitive Personal Data – Where it becomes necessary to process your sensitive personal data, we rely on your express consent or legal compliance.

We process personal information about the following non-exhaustive list of persons:

Journalists, Authors, publishers, and other creators
Customers
Employees
Enquirers
Individuals captured by CCTV images
Suppliers
Survey respondents
Those seeking different types of media accreditation from JIS
Those working for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies
Workers (in addition to employees)

C. HOW DOES JIS GET YOUR PERSONAL DATA?

Direct Collection

We have access to any data that you voluntarily provide via email, telephone, forms, applications, and other interactions. These include:

The completion of media accreditation forms.
The request for information about government processes, products and services.
Your participation in our competitions, promotions and surveys.
Usage Data collected when you visit our website.

Indirect Collection

We also receive your personal information indirectly. Through closed circuit television system (CCTV) throughout our locations to ensure the security and safety of our staff, customers, and other visitors.

D. WHAT ARE THE LEGAL BASES FOR PROCESSING PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Performance of a Contract – necessary for a contract you are party to.
Legal Obligation – required to comply with the law.
Public Interest – carried out in the exercise of official functions.
Legitimate Interests – necessary for Agency operations.
Consent – where you have given specific, informed permission.

E. HOW WILL THE JIS USE YOUR PERSONAL DATA?

The JIS uses personal information to deliver services, communicate with you, and fulfill contractual and legal obligations. This includes producing news content, managing internal operations, and promoting government initiatives.

F. DISCLOSURE

The JIS limits disclosure to instances where it is required for legitimate interests, legal processes, or with your consent. We may share information with:

Central government and regulatory authorities.
Financial organizations and service providers.
Police forces and courts where required by law.

G. HOW DOES THE JIS STORE YOUR DATA?

The JIS uses technical and organizational measures such as encryption, firewalls, and access controls to keep your data secure. We periodically test our security procedures to prevent unauthorized access.

H. HOW LONG WILL THE JIS STORE YOUR PERSONAL DATA?

Personal information will not be retained longer than necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or to meet statutory obligations.

I. WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS?