Data Protection Day celebrates the anniversary of the day on which the first international instrument on data protection, Council of Europe Convention 108, was opened for signature.

Convention 108 (officially, “The Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data”) and the additional Protocol (181), extends to, and legally binds, the Isle of Man.  You can find out more about the history of data protection legislation in the Isle of Man.

The purpose of Convention 108 is to secure, for every individual, whatever their nationality or residence, respect for their rights and fundamental freedoms, and in particular their right to privacy, with regard to automatic processing of personal data relating to them (“data protection”).  

To ensure “data protection”, the additional Protocol was created.  That Protocol requires signatories to establish an independent supervisory authority with responsibility for ensuring compliance with the data protection principles, with powers of investigation and intervention, as well as the power to engage in legal proceedings.  The supervisory authority must have the necessary technical and human resources to take prompt, effective action.

The Isle of Man Information Commissioner is tasked as the independent supervisory authority in the Isle of Man and provides guidance to individuals and controllers, and has the powers to take effective action, when required.  Full guidance and details of action that has been taken is on the website.

https://www.inforights.im/organisations/latest-news-updates/2023/jan/data-protection-day-28-january/