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Partnership and co-operation

The Bailiwick is part of a global data economy and many data protection issues now transcend national borders. We engage with data protection regulators across the world to keep up to date with developments and cooperate on regulatory matters.

Working with others 

The Law (section 65) requires us to take appropriate steps to:
•    Develop international cooperation mechanisms to facilitate the effective enforcement of legislation for the protection of personal data.
•    Provide international mutual assistance in the enforcement of legislation for the protection of personal data.
•    Engage relevant stakeholders in discussion and activities aimed at furthering international cooperation in the enforcement of legislation for the protection of personal data.
•    Promote the exchange and documentation of personal data legislation and practice.

The ODPA is a member of the following global groups and networks which serve to support engagement and cooperation:

•    The Global Privacy Assembly (GPA)
The GPA first met in 1979 as the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners, and since then has been the key global forum for data protection and privacy authorities. The GPA seeks to provide leadership at international level in data protection and privacy. It does this by connecting the efforts of more than 130 data protection and privacy authorities from across the globe into Working Groups centred on specific issues. 

Since January 2024, the ODPA co-chairs the GPA’s International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group, which oversees several global initiatives. The ODPA is also a member of the following GPA working groups: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group, Digital Citizen and Consumer Working Group. 

•    BIIDPA
The ‘British, Irish and Islands’ Data Protection Authorities’ comprises the UK, Ireland, Bermuda, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey and Malta.

This is an informal gathering which allows discussion and learning between the regulatory offices.

•    The Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN)
GPEN is an informal network of data and privacy enforcement authorities which enables sharing of best practice, cooperation and support as well as coordinating an annual ‘Privacy Sweep’ to understand industry practice and compliance on specific privacy issues. 

The ODPA has formal Memoranda of Understanding with the following organisations: 

Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner 
Guernsey Police 
Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman (CIFO) 
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Alderney Gambling Control Commission 
Isle of Man Information Commissioner
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Bermuda
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

The ODPA also works with these local partners on the following initiatives: 

•    The Anti-Financial Crime Advisory Committee
The ODPA is an independent observer within the ‘operational authorities’ of this Committee. This   Committee coordinates the Bailiwick’s National Strategy for combatting money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

•    The Caldicott Committee
The ODPA is an observer on the Bailiwick’s Caldicott Committee which comprises representatives of local healthcare organisations and is a forum to discuss good governance of people’s healthcare information.   

•    Islands Data Governance Forum (IDGF) 
The ODPA works closely with this not-for-profit industry organisation that connects people working in cybersecurity and information security across Bermuda, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Jersey.  
 
•    Association of Guernsey Charities (AGC) 
The ODPA partners with the AGC to provide regular free events to ensure local charities can access help and support to improve their data governance standards. 

•    Guernsey Chamber of Commerce
The ODPA holds regular events for Chamber members to raise their awareness of data protection issues, with the aim of improving general compliance with the law within the islands’ business sector.

•    Guernsey Consumer Cooperation Forum (GCCF)
The ODPA was a founding member of the GCCF, alongside the Competition Regulatory Authority and the Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman, to strengthen information sharing and encourage cross-regulatory cooperation in the Bailiwick.