While the Personal Information Protection Act provides organisations with a robust framework to segregate and protect personal information, the real challenge lies in turning those requirements into meaningful action, according to a privacy consultant.

Pipa came into effect on January 1 and also gives an individual the right to access their personal information – including medical files – held by various organisations. You have a right to learn from the company how the information was received and used and with whom it was shared.

Stuart Hylton, the director of assurance and compliance at Symptai Consulting Ltd, said that with Pipa now shaping how organisations handled sensitive information, the importance of safeguarding privacy had taken centre stage.

Data Privacy Week came to a close last week as it became clear that the new privacy regime is a work in progress.

Pipa aims to protect the rights of users in regards to their data, even though questions remain as to if it can keep up with the ever-changing technology landscape. Artificial intelligence may muddy the waters even further.

There have been concerns in Europe about the efficacy of privacy laws since they came into effect years ago.

Mr Hylton believes Bermuda stands out as a leader in balancing innovation with personal information protection.

“However, as businesses in Bermuda adapt to these regulations, challenges remain,” he said. “For industries like insurance and reinsurance, which handle vast amounts of sensitive data, creating a data retention schedule or conducting privacy impact assessments can be daunting.”

Mr Hylton said this was where clarity and practical guidance made all the difference. “Appointing a dedicated data protection officer can provide the necessary oversight and expertise to navigate these complexities effectively,” he added.

He said Bermuda’s reliance on global industries such as insurance and reinsurance added an additional layer of complexity.

“While many companies have aligned with international standards, like the European GDPR, gaps can still emerge,” he said. “Even organisations with strong foundations need periodic reviews to ensure they have not overlooked risks or missed opportunities for improvement.”

Privacy is not merely a regulatory requirement but a reflection of ethical responsibility, the consultant said.

“Privacy is not just a legal checkbox,” he added. “It is a commitment to the people who entrust you with their personal information.

“When businesses prioritise this responsibility, they foster trust and strengthen their competitive edge in a global market. This is especially critical as technologies like AI amplify the risks and opportunities associated with personal information.”

He encouraged local businesses to reflect on their information protection strategies and take proactive steps to ensure compliance with Pipa, while fostering trust and confidence among their stakeholders.

“Data Privacy Week served as a timely reminder of the importance of protecting personal information,” Mr Hylton said.

“For Bermuda, it is not just about compliance; it is about maintaining our reputation as a global hub of trust and innovation. Privacy is ultimately about people and every effort to protect their information reflects our shared commitment to ethical practices in an increasingly interconnected world.”