The Isle of Man government wants to recruit an official to oversee covert surveillance on the island.

Recruitment is under way for the post of Surveillance Commissioner, following the Regulation of Surveillance Act, which will come into force in December.

The act will bring the Isle of Man law into line with current UK Human Rights legislation.

It permits covert surveillance for national security, crime prevention, public safety and health and tax cases.

‘Reassure public’

But the law also states the surveillance should be proportionate and phone taps can only be authorised by the island’s chief minister.

The new part-time director will provide an overview of the surveillance undertaken and make sure it follows guidelines.

Home Affairs Minister John Shimmin said: “I feel it will reassure the public that any covert surveillance by any authority will be scrutinised by an independent reviewer.”

The government says the post is aimed at someone with a legal background.

Source: BBC