Members of the British National Party in the Isle of Man, whose names and addresses were leaked on the internet, would have to seek redress from the authorities in the United Kingdom.
That's because the information appeared on a UK website, according to the Isle of Man's Data Protection Registrar Iain McDonald.
It's not known if any members in the Island wanted their allegiance to the BNP to remain private, but the exposure is unlikely to be welcome as membership of the BNP is frowned upon in the public sector, the police and trade unions.
The leak is a serious breach of data protection laws and in such circumstances the media has to act responsibly.
Mr McDonald (pictured) says journalists have to prove a strong public interest in broadcasting or publishing names (play attached audio file):
More on Thursday's Mandate.
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