The Data Protection Commission Ireland is the national independent authority responsible for safeguarding the fundamental right to personal data protection within the EU. Our mission is to ensure that individuals' data is protected and handled in accordance with legal requirements. One of the specific areas of concern we address is the sharing of information about a person's criminal convictions, especially in situations that may pose a risk to others.

We understand the importance of processing this sensitive data carefully to prevent negative outcomes for the individuals involved. Under Section 55(1)(b)(iv) of the Data Protection Act 2018, it is lawful to process and share this information when it is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another person. In these cases, consent from the person concerned is not required.

At the Data Protection Commission, we provide guidance and engage with stakeholders to ensure that organizations handle and share information about criminal convictions responsibly. We emphasize the importance of sharing only the necessary information and treating it with sensitivity and confidentiality. Contact us for more information on how we can help protect your personal data