Jamaica

Moderate

Data Protection Act 2020

Authority: Office of the Information Commissioner | Enforcement: partial | Enacted: December 2023

Overview

Jamaica enacted the Data Protection Act in 2020, which became fully operational in December 2023. The Office of the Information Commissioner oversees compliance. The law provides for data subject rights, consent, and cross-border transfers.

14-Topic Coverage

Data Protection Authority

Fully Addressed

Information Commissioner oversees data protection enforcement.

Data Subject Rights

Fully Addressed

Rights to access, correction, and erasure.

Cross-Border Transfer

Fully Addressed

Transfers to countries with adequate protection.

Breach Notification

Fully Addressed

Must notify the Commissioner and affected data subjects.

DPO Requirements

Partially Addressed

Must register with the Commissioner. No formal DPO role.

Children's Data

Partially Addressed

General provisions apply. Child Care and Protection Act provides additional protections.

Penalties & Enforcement

Fully Addressed

Fines up to JMD 2 million and/or imprisonment up to 3 years.

Sector-Specific Rules

Partially Addressed

BOJ financial data guidance, health data regulations.

AI & Automated Decisions

Not Addressed

No specific provisions.

Data Localisation

Not Addressed

No general data localisation requirement.

Significant Data Fiduciary

Not Addressed

No equivalent concept.

Government Data

Partially Addressed

Act applies to government. National security exemptions.