ATTORNEY General Marlene Malahoo Forte says that the Data Protection Act, which was approved Tuesday by the House of Representatives, must be kept under constant review.

However, the report of the joint select committee (JSC) which approved the changes to the Act noted that there are serious concerns raised by contributors to the process, which no doubt gave rise to the attorney general's comments.

Other issues raised included: Registration requirements; notification of contravention or breach; processing for the purpose of journalism; temporary exemption for manual data held by public authorities; appointment of data protection officers; fines to be charged; the “one size fit all” approach of the proposed legislation on all entities; and the need for a tiered approach.

The committee also noted that various entities requested exemption from particular provisions of the Bill, in light of the fact that there were other legislation and regulations governing them.

The committee also agreed with the attorney general about the need for intensive public education to allow the general public to understand the proposed legislation.