Background & Problem
Jamaica’s Data Protection Act has been in effect since 2023 and all organizations that process personal data are required to comply. At a minimum, the Act requires organizations to:
- Register with the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC),
- Appoint a qualified and independent Data Protection Officer (DPO), and
- Implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to protect personal data.
Many companies remain unaware, unprepared or under-resourced to meet these legal obligations despite the growing reputational and legal risks.
Additionally, recruiting a qualified in-house DPO in Jamaica currently requires a salary of between JM$5.2M and JM$7M annually, as advertised in Circular No. 172 published by the Office of the Services Commissions on April 24, 2024. For many, this is far beyond reach.
Jamaica
United Kingdom