Data protection reforms will 'boost' Guernsey

New data protection legislation will bring economical benefits to Guernsey, according to the island’s Data Protection Commissioner.

Emma Martins said the legislation will position Guernsey as an innovative and high-quality jurisdiction with effective regulation and warned that failure to strengthen the island’s offering in this area would be damaging.

She also believes it will ensure that businesses don’t face different compliance rules locally and in the European Union.

The GDPR is also due to come into force in Jersey in May 2018.

During the States of Guernsey debate on the reforms on Wednesday, Deputy Heidi Soulsby expressed concerns about the cost implications of the changes and fears of a ‘dystopian future’.

The data protection commissioner also welcomed the States organising workshops for deputies to deepen understanding of the social and economic drivers for the reforms.