The information commissioner has proposed new safeguards
to ensure the UK does not become a “surveillance
society”.
Giving evidence before the Home Affairs select committee,
information commissioner Richard Thomas has also called for
stronger powers to allow his office (the ICO) to carry out
inspections and audits.
Currently, the commissioner must gain consent before inspecting
an organisation for compliance with the Data Protection Act.
Thomas said, “People now understand that data protection is an
essential barrier to excessive surveillance. But it is wrong that
my office cannot find out what is happening in practice without the
consent of each organisation.”
There is also a concern that too much surveillance will create a
climate of fear and suspicion, said Thomas.
“It is essential that before new surveillance technologies are
introduced full consideration is given to the impact on individuals
and that safeguards are in place to minimise intrusion,” he
said.
The introduction of privacy impact assessments will ensure
organisations set out how they will minimise the threat to privacy,
and address all the risks of new surveillance arrangements prior to
their implementation, he said.
These assessments, which are already commonly used in other
countries such as Australia and the USA, will ensure that ways of
working do not lead to unacceptable intrusion into private lives,
said the commissioner.
The commissioner also wants to be routinely consulted before
“significant new developments”.
The information
commissioner’s office >>
UK is a ‘surveillance society,’ says information commissioner
>>
Information commissioner demands jail for identity thieves
>>
Home Affairs Committee Press Notice: A
surveillance society? >>
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