Data Protection Act, 1988 35 of 50 https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1988/act/25/enacted/en/print.html?printonload=true Considering that it is desirable to extend the safeguards for everyone's rights and fundamental freedoms, and in particular the right to the respect for privacy, taking account of the increasing flow across frontiers of personal data undergoing automatic processing; Reaffirming at the same time their commitment to freedom of information regardless of frontiers; Recognising that it is necessary to reconcile the fundamental values of the respect for privacy and the free flow of information between peoples, Have agreed as follows: CHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 Object and purpose The purpose of this convention is to secure in the territory of each Party for every individual, whatever his nationality or residence, respect for his rights and fundamental freedoms, and in particular his right to privacy, with regard to automatic processing of personal data relating to him (“data protection”). Article 2 Definitions For the purposes of this convention: a. “personal data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual (“data subject”); b. “automated data file” means any set of data undergoing automatic processing; c. “automatic processing” includes the following operations if carried out in whole or in part by automated means: storage of data, carrying out of logical and/or arithmetical operations on those data, their alteration, erasure, retrieval or dissemination; d. “controller of the file” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or any other body who is competent according to the national law to decide what should be the purpose of the automated data file, which categories of personal data should be stored and which operations should be applied to them. 21.02.23, 18:36