The DIFC Commissioner of Data Protection, the independent regulator set up to uphold data privacy for individuals in or from DIFC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office. The memorandum outlined a mutual agreement that both parties would collaborate on a formal basis on their shared commitment to uphold and enforce data protection rights in their respective jurisdictions.
The premise of the MoU is to establish a formal basis for cooperation, including the investigation of suspected offences under the UK Data Protection Act 1998 and the Data Protection Law, DIFC Law No.1 of 2007. Under the new agreement, the DIFC Commissioner of Data Protection and the UK Information Commissioner agree to discuss issues of concern to their respective organisations when an issue of mutual interest or concern arises.
Roberta Calarese, DIFC Commissioner of Data Protection, commented:
“This mutual agreement is really to enhance regulatory co-operation between our two jurisdictions. DIFC has historically cooperated with both international and regional jurisdictions on a variety of areas such as cross border recognition, collaboration and knowledge sharing. The Information Commissioner is the UK’s independent regulator responsible for upholding information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and protecting personal data; similarly, the DIFC Commissioner of Data Protection works to uphold and protect information rights of individuals and promote data privacy in the DIFC.”
Since its establishment in 2004, the DIFC’s legal and regulatory framework, built for financial services, has provided confidence to both international and regional businesses who wish to conduct business in DIFC.
David Smith, Deputy Commissioner and Director of Data Protection at the ICO, commented:
“Technology means the world is a global communications village, and it’s important that data protection regulators reflect that by working together across borders. This agreement marks the latest step in developing such relationships across the globe. We look forward to continuing our work with the DIFC in the future.”
