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Compliance Challenges for Small Businesses in Bermuda

As of January 1, 2025, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) will come into full effect, requiring all organizations - including small businesses - to comply with new data privacy regulations. But what does this mean for small business owners in Bermuda?

What is PIPA?

According to experts, PIPA sets legal standards for the lawful and fair use of individuals’ personal information, ensuring that organizations cannot misuse it. This includes protecting against unauthorized access, loss, damage, theft, or misuse.

Challenges for Small Businesses

For small businesses, collecting and storing personal information is often necessary to provide services and deliver goods. However, this also means taking steps to ensure compliance with data privacy laws, both locally (PIPA) and globally (GDPR, PIPEDA etc.).

Key Steps to Remain Compliant

• Implement a privacy program that includes:
  • Inventory and classification of personal information
  • Documenting use practices
  • Providing training and awareness to staff
  • Analyzing privacy risk
  • Developing an action plan for incidents
  • Responding to access requests
• Ensure transparency by providing a privacy notice, including on websites, prior to collecting any personal information
• Implement security measures that line up with the sensitivity of the personal information held
• Prepare for access requests and potential data breaches, reporting any incidents that may affect individuals

Additional Tips

• Check our Guide to PIPA for more information on how to navigate these new regulations
• Regularly update and review your compliance measures to stay ahead of the curve
• Contact Investigations at 543-7748 with any questions or concerns about PIPA compliance