Consultation on Updating the Data Protection (Fees) Regulations 2018

The Isle of Man’s adequacy status is crucial to the Manx economy, enabling seamless data flows to the UK and Europe without requiring additional safeguards. To preserve this status, the Isle of Man must continuously demonstrate that its data protection framework remains robust, independent, and capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly complex digital landscape.  

This consultation aims to help us deliver on this by changing the way that we are funded and increasing our revenue. This will allow us to meet our statutory obligations to operate independently of government funding. It will also give us the resources to proactively support organisations, engage with the public, and promote responsible innovation.

To support this transition, I would like to thank Treasury for recognising the needs of the office and providing a budget uplift of £250,000, along with approval to launch this consultation. Their support has enabled us to begin strengthening our capacity and capabilities while exploring a longer-term, sustainable funding model.

Increasing revenue could be delivered by simply increasing the fee everyone pays to register. But it doesn’t feel fair to charge both a sole trader and a large bank the same fee. So, we are proposing a fairer, tiered system. Under this model, larger organisations pay more than smaller ones, reflecting the greater data risk and regulatory oversight they require. This approach aligns with systems already in place in Jersey, Guernsey, and the UK.

We welcome views from all stakeholders and members of the public. Your feedback will help shape a fee system that protects rights, supports business, and promotes responsible innovation across our Island.

Dr Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya          

Isle of Man Information Commissioner