UAE: Abu Dhabi Global Market Launches Consultation on Proposed New Data Protection Regulation
The Abu Dhabi Global Market has announced it has launched a public consultation on proposed new Data Protection Regulations. The consultation ends on 19 December 2020. If approved, they will replace the Data Protection Regulations 2015 and because of the significant changes they will introduce for Data Controllers and Data Processors, there will be a 12-month transition period for existing entities regulated by the Global Market and six months for new entities. They include a provision to establish an independent Office of Data Protection which will be led by a Commissioner of Data Protection. They will have the power to monitor compliance with the regulatory framework and ensure non-compliance is appropriately treated. The aim is to increase the protection of personal data processed and controlled in the Global Market and will aim to align with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations which were introduced in 2018.