Isle of Man Joins Global AI Ethics Movement with Major Certification Milestone

Isle of Man, April 2025 – Chris Kissack, Business Development Manager at Acclaim Limited, has become the first person on the Isle of Man to earn the Open Data Institute’s (ODI) Data Ethics Professional certification. As a result, the Island is stepping firmly into the global conversation on ethical AI.

The ODI’s certification is globally recognised. It prepares professionals to lead in the ethical and responsible use of data and artificial intelligence. Therefore, Chris’s success not only highlights individual achievement but also signals a major shift for the Island, where the focus is moving from AI adoption to accountability. It also reinforces Acclaim’s commitment to helping businesses navigate emerging technologies responsibly.

“I am incredibly proud to have qualified as a certified Data Ethics Professional with the Open Data Institute, not just because it was a lot of study and hard work, but because it will enhance our services to our clients. How businesses and professionals obtain, use, and share data has never been more important, so understanding and being able to utilise different frameworks and methodologies is incredibly valuable. Being the first on the Island to obtain this accreditation is a career highlight for me, something I could not have achieved without the incredible encouragement and support from my colleagues at Acclaim, but I hope it will not be long before other data professionals on the Island follow suit, bolstering the Isle of Man’s reputation for a centre of excellence for data and AI. ” – Chris Kissack, Business Development Manager, Acclaim Limited

Why It Matters for Business

As AI adoption accelerates, issues like data privacy, fairness, and trust are becoming impossible to ignore. Consequently, Acclaim Limited is taking proactive steps. It is pushing its people to stay ahead, meet evolving standards, and help shape a safer, smarter future for AI on the Island.

Stuart Coleman, Director of Learning and Consultancy at the Open Data Institute, said:

‘Chris joins hundreds of Data Ethics Professionals all around the world. Data ethics and responsible AI are pressing concerns for many organisations across a wide range of sectors. The Data Ethics Professional certification gives people the tools and skills they need to build trust and transparency, ensuring that their organisations are well placed to maximise the benefits of data and AI while minimising the risks. The Open Data Institute is very pleased that Chris has joined many other data leaders from around the world.’

A First for the Isle of Man

Moreover, Chris’s achievement comes at a critical time. Last year, the Isle of Man government launched Activate AI, an initiative led by Digital Isle of Man. It brings together public and private sector partners to raise awareness, build education, and drive responsible AI adoption.

In addition, Acclaim Limited has been an active partner in the programme. Through workshops and shared insights, it is helping businesses move from theory to real-world action—while keeping ethics at the heart of innovation.

About Acclaim Limited

Founded in 2006, Acclaim Limited is a licensed trust and corporate services provider based in the Isle of Man. We support international clients with tailored solutions in structuring, estate planning, asset protection, accounting, and through our Acclaim Insights division, AI education and strategy.

We believe the future of business lies in smart, ethical growth, and we’re proud to help lead that future from right here on the Island.

About the Open Data Institute (ODI)

The ODI is a non-profit company, founded in 2012 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Sir Nigel Shadbolt. At the ODI, the mission is to work with companies and governments to build an open, trustworthy data ecosystem. ODI works with a range of organisations, governments, public bodies, and civil society to create a world where data works for everyone.