OIC Confirms No Penalties for Data Controllers While Registration Portal Remains Offline

The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) is reassuring data controllers that they will not be penalised for processing personal data without registering while the agency's online registration portal remains unavailable.

In a press release dated 15 March 2026, the OIC explained that the portal has been taken offline so that administrative and technical improvements can be made to sharpen the efficiency of the registration process mandated by the Data Protection Act, 2020.

The Office acknowledged the effort of data controllers who are working to meet their obligations under the law, and apologised for any disruption the temporary shutdown of the platform may be causing. It also thanked stakeholders for bearing with the agency while the work is being completed.

The Information Commissioner gave the assurance that the upgrades are being pushed forward as quickly as possible, and confirmed that no liability under the Act will be enforced against data controllers who handle personal data without being registered during the period the portal is down.

Members of the public and affected entities will be notified through the OIC's official channels once a reopening date for the portal has been set.

The Office reiterated its commitment to transparent regulation of data protection in Jamaica and to assisting data controllers in fulfilling their compliance duties under the Act.