Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the International Financial Centre in Abu Dhabi, has recently been granted the membership of Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN). The GPEN membership will be headed by ADGM’s Registration Authority (RA), the data protection regulator of ADGM.
Established in 2010, GPEN is an international network of data protection authorities, comprised of over 60 members from around 50 different countries and regions with the purpose of facilitating cross border enforcement of privacy protection laws and strengthening personal privacy and data protection in a global context.
ADGM is the first member from the GCC, providing the opportunity to build international relationships in the data protection field. The GPEN membership will also provide a platform to share best practice and facilitate cooperation on privacy law enforcement. Membership of GPEN will strengthen ADGM’s ability to raise awareness of the importance of privacy and data protection
As a member of GPEN, ADGM responsibilities will include discussing the practical aspects of privacy law enforcement cooperation, sharing best practices in addressing cross-border challenges, working to develop shared enforcement priorities and supporting joint enforcement initiatives and awareness campaigns.
GPEN membership also raises ADGM’s profile as a jurisdiction in the region that is committed to privacy and data protection. It is also particularly timely, given current international developments in data protection, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into force on 25 May 2018.
H.E. Ahmed Ali Sayegh, Chairman of ADGM said, “We are honoured to be granted membership of GPEN. Data protection and privacy are fundamental to a robust and transparent international financial centre. The Registration Authority has enforced a data protection regime that is in line with international best practices and is proactive in implementing advancements in the field. Initiatives such as the membership seek to instil greater confidence in our stakeholders and position ADGM as a leader in the international community of data protection and privacy.”