Registering with OIC to Be Made Hassle-Free

Schools and other entities handling individuals’ personal information can expect an effortless process when registering with the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC).

Information Commissioner, Celia Barclay, said the organisation is developing a tool that will guarantee easy submission.

She was speaking at the recent Technology in Education Conference, hosted by e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited in Kingston.

“Based on the volume of information that is required, as well as the large number of controllers who will need to register, it will be an electronic form. [It] will allow you to go in and select what applies to you, but at the same time be flexible enough to allow you to input information that is not specifically mentioned,” she said.

Data controllers must register with the OIC when the Data Protection Act, 2020 (DPA) takes full effect.

The form, along with the supporting regulations, will be promulgated ahead of the December 1 deadline for the full implementation of the DPA.

This is to give data controllers enough time to become compliant with the legislation.

Institutions are also being urged to recognise their obligations that are set out in the Act.

Ms. Barclay stressed that non-compliance will put them at risk of prosecution, imprisonment and liability for fines.

The OIC provides advice to the Government on matters relating to data protection and access to information. It is also tasked with monitoring compliance with the DPA and the attendant regulations.