On Air Night Flight | Midnight - 6:00am

Views differ on 'smarter' data use

Pros and cons of database debated

Proposals for a new approach to collecting and sharing data on Island citizens are designed to streamline government services and reduce bureaucracy.

That pledge from policy and reform minister Chris Thomas who is leading a public consultation on a proposed system which would mean residents only need to give their personal information to the Manx government once.

Mr Thomas says a secure framework would mean it could only be shared with other government agencies with an individual's consent.

Mr Thomas says smarter use of data will pay dividends:

Island civil rights campaigner Tristram Llewellyn-Jones is opposed to sharing of citizen data by public bodies.

He says experience elsewhere suggests the database will grow and be used for other, as yet, unspecified purposes:

More from Isle of Man News