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Bermuda Personal Information Protection Act

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
BMD 250,000
Scope
National
Regulator
Privacy Commissioner
Enacted
2016

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Overview

The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) establishes comprehensive requirements for the protection of personal information in Bermuda, enforced by the Privacy Commissioner.

Key Facts

  • Enacted in 2016
  • Enforced by Privacy Commissioner
  • Applies to all organizations handling personal information in Bermuda

Key Principles

Accountability

Organizations must be responsible for personal information under their control.

Requirements

  • Designate privacy officer
  • Implement privacy policies
  • Monitor compliance
  • Regular assessments
  • Document practices

Examples

  • Privacy officer appointment
  • Written policies
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Assessment reports

Purpose Specification

Personal information must be collected for specific, legitimate purposes.

Requirements

  • Define collection purposes
  • Document purposes
  • Limit use to purposes
  • Regular reviews
  • Update as needed

Examples

  • Purpose statements
  • Collection notices
  • Use limitations
  • Review records

Security Safeguards

Appropriate security measures must protect personal information.

Requirements

  • Implement security controls
  • Risk assessments
  • Staff training
  • Incident response
  • Regular testing

Examples

  • Security policies
  • Training programs
  • Incident procedures
  • Test results

Compliance Requirements

Privacy Program Implementation

Organizations must implement a comprehensive privacy program to protect personal information.

Implementation Steps

  • Appoint privacy officer
  • Develop privacy policies
  • Implement security measures
  • Train staff
  • Regular program reviews

Required Documentation

  • Privacy officer appointment
  • Written privacy policies
  • Security procedures
  • Training records
  • Review documentation

International Transfer Requirements

Requirements for transferring personal information outside Bermuda.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess recipient jurisdiction
  • Implement transfer safeguards
  • Document transfer mechanisms
  • Monitor compliance
  • Regular reviews

Required Documentation

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

Breach Notification Requirements

Procedures for handling and reporting personal information breaches.

Implementation Steps

  • Establish detection procedures
  • Create response plan
  • Set up notification process
  • Document incidents
  • Review and update procedures

Required Documentation

  • Breach response plan
  • Notification templates
  • Incident logs
  • Investigation reports
  • Procedure updates

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Penalties

The Privacy Commissioner can impose significant administrative penalties for violations of PIPA.

Penalty Categories

Severe Violations
Up to BMD 250,000
For serious breaches of PIPA requirements
Continuing Violations
Up to BMD 25,000 per day
For ongoing violations after notice
Obstruction
Up to BMD 100,000
For obstructing Privacy Commissioner investigations

Example Cases

Financial Services Company
BMD 200,000
2023 - Unauthorized disclosure of client information
Healthcare Provider
BMD 150,000
2022 - Insufficient security measures leading to data breach

Criminal Penalties

Serious violations may result in criminal prosecution.

Penalty Categories

Willful Violations
Up to BMD 250,000 and imprisonment
For intentional violations of PIPA
False Statements
Up to BMD 100,000
For providing false information to authorities
Repeat Offenses
Up to BMD 500,000
For subsequent violations

Example Cases

Data Theft Case
BMD 200,000
2023 - Intentional misuse of personal information
False Documentation
BMD 75,000
2022 - Providing false information during investigation