TheInformation Commissioner [ICO]is
calling forthe public to offer inputon its
framework code of practice for sharing personal information, for
data protection, and for a revised CCTV code of
practice.
"The framework is a response to the large number of queries we
receive from local authorities, the police and others about
information sharing," said the ICO.
"Decision-makers, and those working 'on the ground', are often
unclear about how the rules of
data protection apply to their work. There can be uncertainty
and a lack of confidence when making decisions about the sharing of
personal information."
The ICO hopes the framework code will help organisations to
develop their own codes of practice to ensure they follow good
practice in the handling of personal information.
The framework code deals with:
• Deciding to share personal information
• Fairness and transparency
• Information standards
• Retention of shared information
• Security of shared information
• Access to personal information
• Freedom of Information
"The most significant parts of the code are probably about
giving better access to shared information held by one or more
organisation and issues to do with data standards and security,"
said the ICO.
"For example, it is good practice for organisations sharing
information to make it easy for the public to gain access to all
the information held from a single point, rather than having to
make requests to the various organisations involved."
The ICO said it was holding a public consultation because it
wanted to give those involved in or affected by information sharing
the opportunity to comment.
The consultation on data protection closes on 28 September. The
closing date for comments on information sharing is 1 October 2007.
The closing date for comments on the new CCTV code is 31 October
2007.
The ICO plans to publish the responses, although a degree of
anonymity may be available.
Comments should go to the
Data Protection Development Officer.
Comments on the data protection strategy should be sent to:
mail@ico.gsi.gov.uk, alternatively to the ICO's Customer Service
Team in Wilmslow.
Comment on this article:
computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk