Bermuda Appoints its First Privacy Commissioner

Pursuant to the Personal Information Protection Act 2016 (the Act), the Governor of Bermuda has announced that Alexander White is Bermuda’s first Privacy Commissioner. Mr. White is expected to take office on 20 January 2020.

The Act sets out how organisations, businesses and the Bermuda Government may use personal information. It reflects a set of internationally accepted privacy principles and good business practices for the use of personal information in the digital age.

Once in office, the Privacy Commissioner will be responsible for monitoring how the Act is administered to ensure that its purposes are achieved. The Act gives the Privacy Commissioner the power to conduct investigations, issue warnings and educate the public on the Act. He also has the power to make orders requiring organisations to allow individuals access to their personal information or to delete personal information held by an organization. Any order of the Commissioner will be enforceable as a judgment after filing with the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Bermuda.

Guidance notes on implementation of the Act from the Privacy Commissioner will follow in due course. 

Protecting personal data is now business critical, with reputations and criminal liability at stake. CHW can assist with explaining your obligations under the law and steps necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act.

Should you require further information relating to PIPA and the protection of personal data please contact:

Kathleen Moniz

Senior Associate

T: (441) 294-1510

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.