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ARTICLE · 05 OCTOBER 2020

New DIFC Data Protection Law In Force - What You Need To Know

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On October 1, 2020, the three-month grace period for businesses to comply with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Data Protection Law...

United StatesPrivacy
Natasha Kohne
Natasha Kohne
Jenny Arlington
Jenny Arlington
Rachel Kurzweil
Rachel Kurzweil
Mazen Baddar
Mazen Baddar
Sahar Abas
Sahar Abas
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On October 1, 2020, the three-month grace period for businesses to comply with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Data Protection Law (DIFC Law No. 5 of 2020) ("DPL 2020") came to an end. Regulating the processing of personal data in the DIFC, the DPL 2020 replaces the previous data protection law (DIFC Law No. 1 of 2007 (as amended) ("DPL 2007"))1 and, significantly, brings the data protection regime in the DIFC closer in line to global data protection standards, notably the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the U.S. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Although organizations already subject to the GDPR may be well placed to comply with the DPL 2020, it is recommended that organizations promptly begin reviewing their data processing activities to ensure they are in compliance with the DPL 2020. The financial and reputational consequences of failure to comply with the DPL 2020 are significant, including administrative fines

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