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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.