Malta has a new Information and Data Protection Commissioner as former Labour Party candidate Reno Borg formally took the oath of office on Wednesday, commencing a five-year term, the Ministry for Justice said in a statement. 

Borg's appointment follows the conclusion of the previous commissioner's tenure and was made in accordance with Article 11 of the Data Protection Act. 

In his new role, Borg will oversee the enforcement and application of key legislation governing data protection and access to information. 

His responsibilities will include ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act, the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Freedom of Information Act, and laws regulating the re-use of public sector information.

"The taking of the oath of office by Dr Reno Borg marks an important moment in the continued strengthening of Malta's data protection and information governance framework," Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard said. 

He added that Borg's legal expertise and prior experience position him to serve with "independence, professionalism and integrity."

Borg brings more than three decades of legal experience to the role. A graduate of the University of Malta, he has held several prominent positions throughout his career, including roles within the Office of the Attorney General and as chairman of multiple state entities.

He also served as Malta's first Financial Services Arbiter and has lectured in civil law at the University of Malta.

The government said it will continue safeguarding personal data, promoting transparency, and ensuring the effective enforcement of citizens' rights related to information access, in line with both national and European legal frameworks.

It also expressed gratitude to outgoing Commissioner Ian Deguara for his service and contribution during his tenure.