Debate On Data Protection Act

Measures to protect the privacy and personal information of Jamaicans was on the agenda as Senate tackled the data protection bill on Friday. Senator Donna Scott Mottley, however, cautioned that public education was needed for citizens as they moved forward with the bill.

“My concern is I don’t want this to be a society where only certain people can access the benefits or the possibilities and some people are left behind and I urge the government to begin to have the conversations which are necessary.”

The Data Protection Bill requires that data should only be obtained for specific lawful purposes, with the consent of the individual, and not to be further used or processed in any way incompatible with the original purpose. It is for this reason that Senator Scott Mottley highlighted the link between the Data Protection Bill and the proposed National Identification System (NIDS).

“Every time I think about data protection, I think about NIDS. In my mind, they are inextricably linked and private sector and other entities have been calling for the speedy implementation.”

Government Senator Kerensia Morrison also added to the conversation, agreeing that the Data Protection bill be fully explained to all Jamaicans. According to her, the bill is a major security feature for citizens.

“This bill in my mind serves to protect our rights and our identity. One of the realities that Covid-19 has forced us to embrace is that digital platforms, for example, is the future and we need to get with it. Mr. President, we have to value this piece of legislation that seeks to safeguard our rights, our identity as we engage in this new virtual reality.”

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