We are the independent regulatory authority that promotes respect for privacy & information rights of individuals
The Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner is part of the Jersey Data Protection Authority. We are the independent office responsible for overseeing the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 and the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011.
The Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 gives citizens important rights including (but not limited to) the right to know what information is held about them, how that information is going to be handled, and the right to request correction of their information. The Data Protection Law in Jersey helps to protect the interests of individuals by obligating organisations to manage the personal information they hold in a fair, lawful and transparent way, as well as being accountable to their customers and to themselves for their actions.
One of our primary functions is to conduct investigations. These follow complaints by individuals about public agencies or companies concerning the management of personal data, as well as enquiries concerning freedom of information requests to public authorities. We also manage the process of registration of public authorities and companies under the Data Protection Law. In addition to investigating complaints that individuals bring to our attention, we can proactively investigate or audit general compliance with the laws. Importantly, we have an educational function to make individuals aware of their rights and public agencies and companies aware of their responsibilities.
The Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 gives people a general right of access to information held by most public authorities in Jersey. Aimed at promoting a culture of openness and accountability across the public sector, it enables a better understanding of how public authorities carry out their duties, why they make the decisions they do and how they spend public money by requiring the disclosure of information in those areas.
We fulfil the second stage of the appeals function - a person dissatisfied with a decision of a scheduled public authority may appeal to the Information Commissioner. The office fully reviews each appeal submitted and undertakes a thorough analysis of the first appeal, all case material and where applicable drawing on precedents and the public interest test. The Information Commissioner will serve a notice of the decision in respect of the appeal on the applicant and on the scheduled public authority.
