The
Office of the Ombudsman is issuing guidance for businesses and
residents in response to questions we’ve received in recent weeks
about the ongoing implementation of the Cayman Islands Data
Protection Law (2019), which took effect in September.

“Complying
with this new legislation is important for Cayman’s continued good
standing in the international financial services industry and for the
protection of residents’ rights to privacy, a right that has become
perhaps more important than ever in these times,” said Sandy
Hermiston, Ombudsman. “Yet we also know the spread of COVID-19 has
taxed both financial and human resources to the limit in many cases.
We’re here to help.”

In
cases where data breaches have been reported, or compliance with
individuals’ data requests have been delayed, it’s important to
know what to do. There may also be a number of questions about the
dissemination of medical information or about patients’ privacy
rights in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We
can’t change the law and statutory deadlines remain just that,”
Ms. Hermiston said. “However, our office is willing to work in the
spirit of cooperation with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the
protection of individual rights, as well as understanding the needs
of local businesses.”

Anyone
with questions about data protection requirements may go to our
website, www.ombudsman.ky/resources
to check out our COVID-19 Guidance Note in the Resources section.
Additional queries may be directed to our staff of data protection
analysts via email at info@ombudsman.ky.