GRA marks Data Protection Day

Today marks the 10th anniversary of Data Protection Day. This day is celebrated throughout Europe, on the 28th January every year, to commemorate the importance of Data Protection, which is a fundamental right for everyone in the European Union (“EU”).

With the emergence of new technologies that bring great benefits to society and the economy, has come an enormous increase in the amount of information that organisations collect and process about individuals.

In a statement the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority said; “Data Protection is therefore increasingly important to ensure that organisations collect and use information securely, responsibly, and legitimately in accordance with the law.”

“It is equally important for individuals to be aware of the risk to privacy from new technologies, as well as their rights under data protection law.”

In respect of awareness raising, the Gibraltar Data Protection Commissioner’s “Control Your Privacy Campaign” has continued to grow since its launch in 2014; its campaign with the schools, which initially focused on year 7 students across all middle schools in Gibraltar, has expanded into a yearly framework that also includes all year 11 students, year 9 students in Bayside, and GCSE and pre-GCSE students at the College.

The annual Data Protection Day at the Piazza has also grown to involve the support of more organisations and additional activities on the day.

2016 is also likely to be an important milestone for Data Protection within the EU, with the adoption of the new General Data Protection Regulation expected by spring 2016, the GRA said.

The Regulation, which will become law throughout the EU, including Gibraltar, aims to simplify the regulatory environment for organisations and strengthen the control of citizens over their personal data.

The GRA, in its role as Data Protection Commissioner, said it is at the public’s disposal should anyone wish to discuss matters which affect their privacy or feel that their data protection rights are not being correctly addressed.

For further information please contact the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority on +350 200 74636 or email privacy@gra.gi.