Najuequa Barnes | Why data privacy must be a regional priority

IN MAY, global leaders in privacy, technology, and regulation gathered in Venice, Italy for the Privacy and Data Governance Symposium 2025. While the setting was picturesque, the conversations were anything but light. The message echoed throughout the event: privacy is now a cornerstone of global digital policy, and countries like Jamaica cannot afford to be left behind.

As data continues to drive economies and reshape societies, the Caribbean must elevate its role in global privacy discourse. We are no longer passive recipients of digital technologies; we are active participants in a complex ecosystem where data privacy is both a right and a responsibility.

URGENCY, NOT OPTIONALITY

A dominant theme at the symposium was the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the privacy implications that accompany it. AI is no longer the future, it is now. From deepfakes to predictive analytics, the technology is evolving faster than regulatory frameworks can adapt.

This has sparked urgent conversations about the ethical governance of AI. How do we ensure these tools do not amplify bias or erode trust? Global regulators, including the European Union (EU) AI Office and tech giants like Microsoft and Google, are now pushing for enforceable standards and codes of practice. These discussions are especially important for small states like Jamaica, where AI adoption is beginning to shape key sectors such as finance, healthcare, and education.

The Caribbean must not wait for AI to arrive. It is already here. What is needed is the creation of regional AI policies that reflect global best practices while considering local realities. We must also invest in local capacity-building to ensure that policy is matched by practical expertise. This includes training data scientists, legal professionals, and decision-makers who understand the intersection of AI, ethics, and law. Without this, even the most well-written frameworks will fail to deliver real-world results.

PRIVACY IS POWER AND POLICY

Another key takeaway was the shifting role of privacy itself. Once seen as a legal formality, privacy is now a strategic asset. In an era of digital surveillance, cybercrime, and algorithmic profiling, the ability to safeguard personal data is becoming a benchmark of national maturity.

The European Union continues to lead with legislation like the GDPR, Data Governance Act, and upcoming AI Act. But the Caribbean must resist the temptation to copy-paste. Instead, our region needs smart, context-driven privacy laws that empower citizens while supporting innovation and economic resilience.

Jamaica’s Data Protection Act is a step in the right direction, but its effectiveness will depend on consistent enforcement, institutional capacity, and public awareness. Too often, laws are passed but not practised. We need privacy policies that work in real-world crises – like data breaches, ransomware attacks, or misuse of biometric information.

CROSS-BORDER CHALLENGES

Data privacy does not exist in isolation. It intersects with cybersecurity, digital consent, and international cooperation. At the symposium, participants took part in a live data breach simulation that revealed how fragile even the most sophisticated systems can be without proper response protocols.

It became clear that data governance must move beyond compliance checklists. Real preparedness means knowing how to act when systems fail: who communicates, who mitigates, and who takes responsibility.

For Jamaica and other Caribbean countries, this means investing in both public infrastructure and private sector readiness. It also means improving how we manage cross-border data flows, especially as our financial and tourism sectors rely heavily on international data exchanges. Data knows no borders, and our systems must be agile enough to address transnational threats and obligations.

GLOBAL CONVERSATION

The privacy symposium underscored that the digital future will not wait for us to catch up. The world is moving toward cooperative models of governance: digital sandboxes, regulatory alliances, and international cybercrime conventions. The Caribbean must be part of these dialogues, not as observers, but as contributors.

Our geographic size should not limit our global impact. By fostering regional collaboration and participating in global forums, we can help shape privacy norms that respect cultural differences while upholding universal rights.

PARTNERSHIPS OVER ISOLATION

A recurring theme at the conference was that privacy is no longer the sole domain of lawyers or IT professionals. It is a shared responsibility. Governments, businesses, civil society, and end-users must all be involved in creating a privacy-conscious culture.

Partnerships between regulators, academia, and the private sector are key to building resilient systems that protect individuals while enabling digital innovation. Jamaica must encourage multi-stakeholder engagement to address gaps in awareness, implementation, and education.

The Caribbean stands at a crossroads. We can either import global privacy norms without adapting them, or we can actively shape our own frameworks, grounded in our unique realities, informed by global best practices.

Data privacy is not just about technology, it is about trust, dignity, and national sovereignty. As we navigate this digital age, let us write our own story: one of courage, collaboration, and commitment to protecting the rights of every citizen.

Najuequa Barnes is the managing director and chief privacy officer of United Consulting International Limited. Send feedback to corporatesolutions@uciconsult.com and columns@gleanerjm.com