Opposition Senator Sophia Frazer Binns has argued that the Data Protection Bill will be of great importance now, given that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses and enterprising individuals to seek out new ways of doing business.

Frazer Binns who was a part of the joint select committee, chaired by Technology Minister Fayval Williams, that examined that bill.

Frazer Binns said she was happy that there are provisions in the bill which allowed the minister, through consultation with the data commissioner, to make exception to certain micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

It requires that data should only be obtained for specific lawful purposes, with the consent of the individual, and not to be further used or processed in any way incompatible with the original purpose.

The bill further provides that data must not be transferred to a state or territory outside of Jamaica, unless that state or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of the individual from whom the data has been collected.