MAJ head restates dangers of Data Protection Bill
CHAIRMAN OF the Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) Christopher Barnes has used a just-concluded meeting of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) to underscore the concerns of Jamaican media entities over the proposed Data Protection Act.
Addressing an IAPA meeting in Medellín, Colombia, last week Barnes, who is also managing director of The Gleaner, repeated the concern that if the legislation is passed as proposed, it could have grave consequences for press freedom in Jamaica.
“Of specific concern is a provision that personal data information, including source of data requested by the proposed information commissioner (and, in some cases, citizens), must be handed over under the penalty of fines and/or imprisonment,” said Barnes.
“The media contends that this could remove journalists’ ability to protect the identity of their sources, potentially exposing them to intimidation, victimisation, or harm.
“Jamaica has no shield laws to protect against the disclosure of journalists’ sources as exists in other jurisdictions that have similar data-protection laws,” added Barnes.
He told the IAPA meeting that media owners and journalist associations locally have voiced concerns about the negative effects that the proposed law will have on the gathering and production of journalistic content and the chilling effects it will have on press freedom.
“While there are certain exemptions provided in the bill for data used for the purposes of journalism, the associations believe they do not eliminate the key risks and have, therefore, requested full exemption from the bill. We continue to lobby all stakeholders in this regard,” added Barnes.
IAPA has already voiced its concern about the proposed legislation, and Barnes used the opportunity to thank IAPA President Gustavo Mohme Seminario, Roberto Rock, and Ricardo Trotti for the continued interest shown in the developments.
“It is times like these that we are all reminded of the value of the organisation to those who believe in and uphold the principles of the importance of a free press,” said Barnes.
The Data Protection Bill is now being examined by a joint select committee of Parliament.