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.