112 data protection officers undergo EU-funded training

112 data protection officers have undergone a training course aimed at improving their competence in the sector, thanks to EU funds.

The officers were trained in preparing Privacy Impact Assessments, a legal requirement under the new General Data Protection Regulation, which is expected to take effect next year.

Speaking at a seminar that marked the closing of the project, minister for social dialogue and consumer affairs Helena Dalli said that there was a need for trained individuals to work within the sector.

Dalli said the government was being proactive in training public servants to be prepared for the requirements of the new regulation act.

She explained that for the first time, thanks to this training, Privacy Impact Assessments and Data Protection Audits could be carried out by the public sector.

Parliamentary secretary for EU funds Ian Borg said that an investment of €328,176 from the EU Social Fund made the training possible and 96% of those participating earned a qualification or certificate.