The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial hub of the UAE capital, has announced revisions to its 2021 data protection regulations, along with the establishment of public interest provisions within the “Data Protection Regulations of 2025.” This release follows the publication of consultation paper 6 for 2025, reaffirming ADGM’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a comprehensive data protection framework that aligns with global practices while adapting to the changing needs of the community.
Key Features of the Public Interest Provisions
The public interest provisions provide critical clarifications about the processing mechanisms for specific categories of personal data based on defined justifications related to public interest. These updates are particularly relevant in sectors such as insurance and education, conforming to international best practices.
Among the significant aspects covered by the public interest provisions are:
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Insurance Sector Guidelines: Regulations for insurance firms to process special categories of personal data for insurance purposes when such processing serves a public interest.
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Clear Definitions: Definitions for the terms “insurance contract” and “insurance purpose” are being introduced to ensure consistency in practices across the sector.
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Processing Without Prior Consent: The new provisions allow for the processing of special categories of personal data without the need for prior consent in cases necessitating the protection of children or individuals vulnerable to psychological or physical harm.
Additionally, the regulations outline the criteria that identify individuals aged 18 and older as “vulnerable,” thus qualifying them for additional protections under these guidelines.