Guernsey has appointed its new Data Protection Commissioner.
Emma Martins will take up the Guernsey-specific job after she leaves her current post as pan-island Data Protection Commissioner - it was announced in October that she was stepping down from that joint role.
Mrs Martins took on the pan-island role when it was created in 2011 and has been key in supporting Guernsey and Jersey as the islands develop and implement new data protection laws in response to the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, which comes into effect in May 2018.
Following her resignation the States of Guernsey decided to develop its own regulatory framework, with the creation of a Guernsey Data Protection Commissioner post.
Mrs Martins said:
'I'm delighted to take on the role of overseeing Guernsey's new data protection regulatory framework, for the next two years. Guernsey's new law, approved by the States last month, puts the Island in an excellent position to maintain EU adequacy following the introduction of GDPR in May next year. I am looking forward to the challenges that regulating the new law will bring.'
Deputy Mary Lowe, President of the Committee for Home Affairs, said:
'Emma has been responsible for the regulation of data protection in both islands for the last six years and in that time she has regularly displayed her expertise in this complex field. Her decision to apply for the newly created Guernsey Data Protection Commissioner role, and subsequent appointment, is excellent news for the Island.
'While we took the decision following a meeting with Jersey to develop our own regulatory framework, we will continue working with colleagues in Jersey on areas of mutual interest.'
