A delegation from Bermuda is meeting officials in Britain to discuss data protection and the island’s readiness for the start of 2025, when the Personal Information and Protection Act comes into effect.

Vance Campbell, the Minister of the Cabinet Office, called on the island to “be ready for Pipa 2025”.

Mr Campbell spoke on Monday with two officers at the central Commonwealth Secretariat.

He met Vashti Maharaj, an adviser on digital trade policy, and Suresh Yadav, a senior director.

They discusses policy and enforcement of data protection.

Mr Campbell said: "Meeting representatives of the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology team facilitated critical discussions on the process for assessments to gain Pipa certifications, the existence of data bridges, and the benefits of this concept.

"Global regulatory strategies using artificial intelligence and the principles to be considered when developing future legislative frameworks, were highlighted by Eduardo Ustaran, a partner at Hogan Lowell’s, Privacy and Security practice.“

Mr Campbell said they also delved into the data protection-strategy for the European Union.

“This is information that could assist Bermuda in building partnerships with some of the leaders in privacy."

Mr Campbell was accompanied by a team of technical officers who will wield direct responsibilities under the Pipa legislation.

These included Pandora Glasford, the permanent secretary, Pipa commissioner Alex White, and deputy commissioner Angie Farquharson, with Marisa Stones, Nicola O'Leary and Kennette Naylor.

The meetings were timed to coincide with the International Association of Privacy Professionals Data Protection Intensive: UK 2024 Conference.

The conference includes workshops on privacy, data protection and artificial intelligence.

Mr Campbell spoke on its opening day with the keynote speaker, John Edwards, the Information Commissioner of the UK Information Commissioner’s Office.

Mr Campbell said the visit was critical as Bermuda sets the stage for Pipa's adoption.

“It is useful to have the support of the UK ICO in arranging such an important discussion with Mr Edwards — and connecting professionals of international repute with our own technical team is invaluable to the smooth implementation of this pending legislation.”