To further safeguard individuals’ private data, the government of Jamaica enacted the Data Protection Act, 2020 (DPA). On June 12, 2020, after the House of Representatives had approved it on May 19, the Senate also passed the measure. Organizations in the public and private sectors, as well as living and recently dead people who may be identified, are subject to the statute.
Knowing how this legislation influences you as a Caribbean-American is crucial, whether you reside in Jamaica or a region with a large Caribbean-American population, such as South Florida. What follows is a summary of the Jamaica Data Protection Act and how it affects you.
What Effect Does This Law Have?
The DPA specifies the basic scope and rules for the management of personal data, as well as open supervision that will allow all sectors to increase personal data protection. Data acquisition, storage, usage, and disposal are all included in this category.
For starters, let’s define “Personal Data.” In this context, “personal data” refers to any and all information that may be used to uniquely identify an individual human being. Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and any other identifying details are all included here.
How Does It Affect Me?
The DPA affects how companies in Jamaica acquire, store, use, and dispose of your personal data if you are a resident of Jamaica. Businesses must now be more forthcoming with their data collection methods than they were previously, get consumers’ permission before collecting their data, and keep that data accurate and up-to-date.
Even if the DPA doesn’t affect you as a Caribbean American living outside of Jamaica, it’s still crucial to be familiar with it and know what kind of protections are in place for personal information there. Many people of Caribbean descent still have links to their native countries, such as Jamaica, and their personal data may be retained there.
So What If Someone Misuses My Information?
The Data Protection Commission may be contacted if you have reason to suspect that your personal information has been improperly handled in Jamaica. The DPA creates the commission to be in charge of making sure businesses follow the law, and it gives the commission the power to look into complaints and punish businesses that break the law.
Individuals and businesses in the Caribbean Diaspora that handle personal data from Jamaica must be aware of the new legislation and adjust their practices to comply with the DPA. Although it has the appearance of a local legislation, it may have far-reaching consequences for those who are not Jamaican citizens but who do business in the country. Learning the rules is the best way to follow them and avoid fines.
In conclusion, the passage of the Jamaica Data Protection Act was a major victory for the privacy and safety of Jamaican individuals. Whether you are a resident of Jamaica or another country with a large Caribbean-American population, like South Florida, it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with the act and its implications. Maintaining knowledge of the rules is essential for privacy and compliance.
