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Cayman Islands Data Protection Law

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
KYD 100,000
Scope
National
Regulator
Ombudsman
Enacted
2017

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Overview

The Data Protection Law establishes comprehensive requirements for the processing of personal data in the Cayman Islands, enforced by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Key Facts

  • Enacted in 2017
  • Enforced by Office of the Ombudsman
  • Based on EU data protection principles

Key Principles

Fair and Lawful Processing

Personal data must be processed fairly and in accordance with the law.

Requirements

  • Identify legal basis
  • Ensure transparency
  • Document processing
  • Regular reviews
  • Update procedures

Examples

  • Processing records
  • Legal basis documentation
  • Privacy notices
  • Review logs

Purpose Limitation

Personal data must be collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes.

Requirements

  • Define clear purposes
  • Document purposes
  • Limit processing scope
  • Regular reviews
  • Update as needed

Examples

  • Purpose statements
  • Processing records
  • Review documentation
  • Update logs

Data Minimization

Personal data must be adequate, relevant, and not excessive.

Requirements

  • Assess necessity
  • Limit collection
  • Regular reviews
  • Document justification
  • Update procedures

Examples

  • Data inventories
  • Necessity assessments
  • Review records
  • Update logs

Compliance Requirements

Data Controller Registration

Organizations must register with the Ombudsman as a data controller.

Implementation Steps

  • Complete registration form
  • Pay registration fees
  • Document processing activities
  • Maintain registration
  • Annual renewals

Required Documentation

  • Registration certificates
  • Payment records
  • Processing records
  • Renewal confirmations
  • Update history

Privacy Notice Requirements

Organizations must provide clear information about their data processing activities.

Implementation Steps

  • Create privacy notices
  • Include required information
  • Make easily accessible
  • Regular updates
  • Document distribution

Required Documentation

  • Privacy notices
  • Distribution records
  • Update logs
  • Review documentation
  • Version history

International Transfer Requirements

Requirements for transferring personal data outside the Cayman Islands.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess adequacy of recipient
  • Implement safeguards
  • Document transfers
  • Monitor compliance
  • Regular reviews

Required Documentation

  • Transfer assessments
  • Safeguard documentation
  • Transfer records
  • Monitoring logs
  • Review reports

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Penalties

The Ombudsman can impose various penalties for violations of the Data Protection Law.

Penalty Categories

Monetary Penalties
Up to KYD 100,000
For serious breaches of the law
Enforcement Orders
Varies
Orders to change practices or procedures
Information Orders
Varies
Orders to provide information to the Ombudsman

Example Cases

Financial Institution
KYD 75,000
2023 - Unauthorized data sharing with third parties
Healthcare Provider
KYD 50,000
2022 - Insufficient security measures leading to data breach

Criminal Offenses

Serious violations may result in criminal prosecution.

Penalty Categories

Willful Violations
Up to KYD 100,000
For intentional violations of the law
False Statements
Up to KYD 50,000
For providing false information to the Ombudsman
Obstruction
Up to KYD 25,000
For obstructing the Ombudsman's duties

Example Cases

Data Breach Cover-up
KYD 85,000
2023 - Intentional concealment of data breach
False Registration
KYD 40,000
2022 - Providing false information in registration