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

Speaking at the recent Technology in Education Conference, hosted by e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited in Kingston, Information Commissioner Celia Barclay, announced that the organisation is developing a tool that will guarantee easy submission. She unveiled the plan for a user-friendly electronic form.

This form will allow data controllers to select relevant information while also offering flexibility to input details not specifically mentioned with the aim of streamlining the registration process considering the volume of information required and the large number of controllers expected to register.

Under the Data Protection Act, 2020 (DPA), data controllers must register with the OIC when the legislation takes full effect. To ensure compliance, the OIC will promulgate the registration form, along with the supporting regulations, in advance of the December 1 deadline for the DPA’s full implementation.

In light of the imminent deadline, institutions are strongly urged to recognize their obligations under the Act. Ms. Barclay emphasized that failure to comply could lead to serious consequences, including prosecution, imprisonment, and liability for fines.