Emma Martins, who served as the commissioner for Jersey before taking over responsibility for both islands in 2011, has been announced as Guernsey’s new data protection officer.
She is due to start the job after she leaves her current role in March.
Mrs Martins’ decision to leave the pan-islands role came shortly before Guernsey announced it was splitting away to form its own commissioner’s office, and criticised Jersey for lagging behind in updating its laws to prepare for incoming EU data protection regulations.
The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation is due to come into effect in May and business experts have warned that it could have a drastic effect on firms as individuals will have much greater protection rights relating to personal information.
Under GDPR, firms could face fines of up to 20 million euros if they breach regulations, such as by holding too much information about their clients or losing data through cyber-attacks or leaks.
Mrs Martins, who complained of being under-resourced in the pan-Channel Islands role, is due to complete a two-year term in her new role.
‘I’m delighted to take on the role of overseeing Guernsey’s new data protection regulatory framework for the next two years,’ she said.
‘Guernsey’s new law, approved by the States last month, puts the island in an excellent position to maintain EU adequacy following the introduction of GDPR in May next year.
‘I am looking forward to the challenges that regulating the new law will bring.’
Deputy Mary Lowe, president of Guernsey’s Home Affairs Committee, said that the new data protection commissioner’s office would continue to work with their Jersey counterparts.
‘Emma has been responsible for the regulation of data protection in both islands for the last six years and in that time she has regularly displayed her expertise in this complex field,’ she said.
‘Her decision to apply for the newly created Guernsey data protection commissioner role, and subsequent appointment, is excellent news for the island.
‘While we took the decision following a meeting with Jersey to develop our own regulatory framework, we will continue working with colleagues in Jersey on areas of mutual interest.’
It is understood that a recruitment process to find a replacement for Mrs Martins in Jersey is ongoing.
