Register of data controllers for 2023-2024 now live

The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) is advising that the Register of Data Controllers for the 2023/2024 Registration Year is now live on its official website at www.oic.gov.jm

The Register, which is required by Section 17 of the Data Protection Act, 2020 ('DPA' or 'the Act'), is accessible to the public under the "Our Services" tab as “Registered & Approved Data Controllers”.

“The OIC is in the process of reviewing applications received since the commencement of registration on June 1, 2024,” the agency said in a press release.

“Upon approval of an application, two actions happen concurrently:

a. an email is sent to the data controller advising that their application has been approved and they are now registered; and

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b. the data controller's registration particulars are entered into and reflected in the online Register.”

It continued, “The Register is continuously being updated as new applications are processed and approved. The processing of applications from data controllers in the priority groups published in May 2024 is being expedited, but the OIC is also accepting applications from other data controllers.”

Data controllers are reminded that they are required to register with the OIC for the 2023/2024 Registration Year and that processing personal data without being registered with the Office of the Information Commissioner constitutes an offence pursuant to section 18 (1) of the Act.

“We therefore encourage data controllers who have not yet registered for 2023/2024 to do so immediately through the My OIC Portal on our website,” OIC said.

Registration fees must be paid by way of transfer or deposit to the OIC's Deposit account at:

• Name: OIC Deposit
• Bank: National Commercial Bank
• Branch: Knutsford Boulevard
• Bank Transit #: 00035
• Routing #: 0776
• Swift Code: JNCBJMKX
• Account Number:  291038158
• Type of Account: Current
• Currency: Jamaican

Registered data controllers will be issued with an e-certificate valid for the 2023/2024 registration year which commenced on December 1, 2023 and comes to an end on November 30, 2024, notwithstanding the actual date of approval stated on the certificate.

All data controllers who register for 2023/2024 will be required to renew their registration for the 2024/2025 registration year starting December 1, 2024.

Data controllers who wish to enquire about their registration or compliance status may contact the Complaints Resolution and Compliance Branch in the Office of the Information Commissioner at compliance@oic.gov.jm.