Freedom of Information Request - Intrusive Surveillance Warrants Issue

Summary

The requester asked for the number of intrusive surveillance warrants authorized in 2024 and details on applications and approvals. The Department of Home Affairs withheld the information, citing an exemption because the data is scheduled for future publication in the Surveillance Commissioner's annual report.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 30 June 2025 and responded to on 22 July 2025.
• Information was withheld under section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act.
• The requested data is held with a view to being published in the Surveillance Commissioner's 2024 annual report.
• The annual report is expected to be released in October 2025.
• The report will be laid before Tynwald and published on the commissioner's webpage.

Data Disclosed

• 2024
• 30 June 2025
• 22 July 2025
• October 2025
• section 41
• 4764213

Exemptions Cited

• Section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act (information held with a view to future publication)

Original Request

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to request information under the Isle of Man's Freedom of Information Act. Please could you provide the following: ) The number of intrusive surveillance warrants authorised under the Regulation of Surveillance Act (or equivalent legislation) during the calendar year 2024. If possible, I would also appreciate clarification on: How many applications were made (if different from the number granted), Which authority or official approved these warrants. Thank you for your time and assistance.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Freedom of Information Coordinator DHA Headquarters Tromode Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 5AP

Telephone: (01624) 687017 Web address: www.gov.im/dha
Email: DPO-DHA@dha.gov.im

Our ref: 4764213 22 July 2025

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 30 June 2025, which states:

"Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request information under the Isle of Man's Freedom of Information Act.

Please could you provide the following:

The number of intrusive surveillance warrants authorised under the Regulation of Surveillance Act (or equivalent legislation) during the calendar year 2024. If possible, I would also appreciate clarification on:

How many applications were made (if different from the number granted),

Which authority or official approved these warrants.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the information is exempt from disclosure under section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act as it is held with a view to being published at a future date. The Isle of Man surveillance commissioner publishes yearly reports which the department has confirmed will include the information you have requested.

Under the FOI Act we do have a duty to provide advice and assistance, the 2024 report is scheduled to be published on the surveillance commissioners webpage which also includes previous reports and can be found here . The commissioner is required to produce an annual report with this information which is also laid before Tynwald. This is expected to be released in October 2025.

Please quote the reference number 4764213 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.