ADGM Unveils New Public Interest Rules to Boost Data Protection
▼ Summary
– ADGM has amended its Data Protection Regulations 2021 to introduce the Data Protection Regulations (Substantial Public Interest Conditions) Rules 2025.
– These rules provide greater clarity on processing Special Categories of Personal Data under defined public interest grounds, particularly for insurance and education sectors.
– Key features include conditions for insurance companies to process sensitive data and clear definitions of “insurance contract” and “insurance purpose” for consistency.
– The rules allow processing without consent when necessary to protect children or individuals at risk of emotional or physical harm, with clarified criteria for those aged 18 or over.
– These changes support ADGM’s expanding jurisdiction by ensuring robust protections for vulnerable individuals while facilitating responsible data use in key sectors.
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has introduced a new set of regulations aimed at strengthening data protection while enabling responsible use of sensitive personal information in key economic sectors. These rules, known as the Data Protection Regulations (Substantial Public Interest Conditions) Rules 2025, provide detailed guidance on processing special categories of personal data under clearly defined public interest grounds.
Developed following extensive consultation, the regulations reflect ADGM’s dedication to maintaining a data protection framework that aligns with international standards while addressing local requirements. The Registration Authority of ADGM confirmed the amendments to the Data Protection Regulations 2021, emphasizing the importance of accountability, transparency, and public trust in data handling practices.
H.E. Rashed Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority at ADGM, stated that the framework is designed to protect individuals, especially the most vulnerable, while supporting legitimate data use across various industries. The regulations aim to evolve in step with both global benchmarks and regional needs, ensuring robust and adaptable governance.
A central feature of the new rules is the greater clarity on processing Special Categories of Personal Data, particularly within sectors like insurance and education. The regulations establish specific conditions under which insurance companies may process sensitive data for insurance purposes when doing so serves a substantial public interest. Key definitions, such as “insurance contract” and “insurance purpose,” have been standardized to ensure consistency and legal certainty across the industry.
Additionally, the rules introduce important safeguards that permit the processing of sensitive personal data without individual consent in situations where it is necessary to protect children or individuals at risk of emotional or physical harm. The criteria for identifying individuals aged 18 or over who may be considered “at risk” have also been clarified, extending protections to a broader segment of the population.
These regulatory enhancements are strategically timed to support ADGM’s expanding jurisdiction, which now includes Al Reem Island. By ensuring strong protections for vulnerable persons while facilitating responsible data use, ADGM reinforces its position as a forward-looking financial center committed to ethical governance.
The amendments represent a significant advancement in balancing the need for data processing with the imperative to safeguard sensitive information. Through clear and structured guidelines, ADGM continues to strengthen a regulatory environment that serves the public interest while enabling growth in vital sectors such as insurance and education.
(Source: Economy Middle East – Technology & Innovation)
