The Information Commissioner is the independent supervisory body for the Data Protection Act 2002 and the Unsolicited Communications Regulations 2005.
With effect from 1 February 2016, the Commissioner will assume an adjudication role in respect of the Freedom of Information Act 2015. It is anticipated that from that date the Commissioner will also assume the High Bailiff's current responsibilities in respect of the Isle of Man Government's Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
The following instruments set out the current functions of the Commissioner.
The Data Protection Act 2002 balances an individual's right to privacy with the legitimate needs of businesses and organisations to process personal information and sets out the Commissioner's functions which include, but are not limited to:
a) maintaining the register of data controllers who have notified the Supervisor of their processing of personal data
b) promoting the following of good practice by data controllers by providing advice and assistance
c) promoting the observance of the requirements of the Act by providing advice and assistance
d) undertaking assessments of the processing of personal data by a data controller when a request to do so is received from an individual
e) assessing any processing of personal data for the following of good practice at the request of a data controller
The Unsolicited Communications Regulations 2005 govern unsolicited direct marketing by electronic mail (including SMS), telephone and fax. The Commissioner's functions include dealing with complaints about unsolicited direct marketing and taking enforcement action if necessary.
