Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston has confirmed that the Isle of Man has no legislation specifically regulating Artificial Intelligence.
Existing criminal, online‑safety and data‑protection laws are currently used to address AI‑related risks.
He was responding to a written question from Rushen MHK Juan Watterson, who asked what legislation governs AI safety, who enforces it, and what external specialists support the National AI Office.
Existing Laws
The Minister said protections come from wider frameworks, including the Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act 2021, which criminalises AI‑generated indecent images of children and non‑consensual intimate images of adults.
Harassment, stalking, threats and online abuse laws may also apply. These are enforced by the Isle of Man Constabulary and prosecuting authorities.
The Department for Home Affairs is also considering whether the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 could be extended to the Island.
AI Systems
The Information Commissioner has confirmed that AI systems processing personal data fall under Manx data‑protection law, including requirements for transparency, data minimisation and Data Protection Impact Assessments for high‑risk AI.
The Minister said the National AI Office has not engaged external AI safety experts, as it is first consolidating existing policies and standards across government.
The Office is creating an AI Regulatory Guidance Hub to bring together rules and guidance for businesses, public bodies and citizens.
It is also developing partnerships with the UK AI Safety Institute, AI Singapore, and OECD bodies to align with international standards.
