Data protection watchdog on prowl

THE data protection watchdog pledged yesterday to target politicians, priests and dentists who have not registered with his office.

There is a legal obligation on anyone processing sensitive information like data on someone's physical and mental health; religious or political opinions; sexual orientation or criminal convictions to register with the Data Protection Commission.

The aim of the privacy legislation is to prevent the unauthorised use of personal details about individuals. Failure to register with the Data Protection Commission could lead to a €100,000 fine. Data Protection Commissioner Joe Meade targeted the legal profession and teachers last year in an attempt to get them to comply with the legislation.

Two solicitors were prosecuted for failing to register with the commission, and while both were given the benefit of the Probation Act, one was ordered to pay €500 to the poor box.

Presenting his annual report in Dublin yesterday, Mr Meade warned: "Further prosecutions will, if necessary, be taken in future against anyone who breaches the act the ultimate sanction for failing to register is that databases can be deleted." Religious orders, as well as politicians processing sensitive information on their computers, would be looked at to check on their compliance with privacy legislation, said Mr Meade.

"I am taking a targeted approach it is my intention to look at dentists, religious orders of all denominations and politicians."

The commissioner also reported a 25% increase in the activity of his office during 2003, with more than 10,000 queries and 258 formal complaints.

So far this year, there have been 140 complaints.

Mr Meade also said he would be examining cases of unsolicited mobile phone text messages from advertisers offering prizes for calling premium rate numbers.