The Office of the Information Commissioner (IOC) is warning that a website purporting to be the official platform for the registration of data controllers, which is a requirement under the Data Protection Act 2020, is fraudulent and urging extreme vigilance.

In a statement, the OIC advised that registration for data controllers commences on Friday, December 1, by way of an online application only via its official website. Instructions on how to register as a Data Controller will be published in the local newspapers and on our website shortly.

“The commencement of registration of data controllers will coincide with the full implementation of the Data Protection Act, 2020, on December 1, 2023. The OIC implores all persons and public authorities to be vigilant, and to exercise caution before accessing any website or application other than that of the official website of the Office of the Information Commissioner purporting to register data controllers prior to December 1, 2023,” a part of the statement by IOC read.

“The OIC remains committed to ensuring the protection of your personal data and upholding the data privacy rights of individuals, and we are actively working to address this issue promptly. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help us protect our community from online scamming,” the IOC added.

In the meantime, the OIC is imploring persons to be vigilant and take every precaution to protect their personal data and to be cautious in providing any personal or financial information on websites, or by any other means, without first verifying the legitimacy of any website or those other means.

Also, “if you come across any website or communication that seems suspicious in relation to the registration of data controllers, please report this to the Office of the Information Commissioner immediately. Your assistance is crucial in preventing harm”.

The IOC serves as the primary agency of Government responsible for data protection in Jamaica, safeguarding the rights and privacy of its citizens. Established in accordance with the Data Protection Act
(“DPA”) of 2020, the OIC is entrusted with the pivotal role of upholding data privacy and robust data protection regulatory regime for the people of Jamaica.