The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued
guidance to theDriver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)over what personal information it can release to
third-parties.
There is concern that the vehicle licensing agency is releasing
information too freely, and breaking privacy laws as a result.
The ICO says the
DVLA can pass on individuals' personal details if "there is
good reason", such as the prevention or detection of crime.
The guidance explains to individuals the circumstances where the
information might be shared without breaking data protection
rules.
The
DVLA keeps a register containing details of all vehicles
licensed for use on the road and can pass details from the register
to a third-party for a number of legitimate reasons.
Legitimate reasons include to identify vehicles on the road to
help prevent and detect crime, to investigate suspected insurance
fraud, to improve road safety or to ensure that vehicles are
properly taxed.
Although the DVLA does not have to obtain permission before
passing an individual's details to other people, the person or
organisation requesting the information must prove that they have
"reasonable cause" to obtain an individual's details.
For example, a company requesting information to enforce parking
fees must also provide evidence that a parking charge scheme
actually exists and that drivers are made aware that the scheme is
in force.
Phil Jones, assistant commissioner at the ICO, said, "The DVLA
passes on information from its register to third parties for a
variety of legitimate reasons. However, the person or organisation
requesting the information must always provide evidence to the DVLA
which shows why their request is reasonable."
It is an offence under the Data Protection Act to mislead the
DVLA as to why information is required. The DVLA has made millions
of pounds from selling personal information to third-parties from
its database of drivers and vehicles. This practice has now been
limited after an outcry, following revelations that criminals had
paid for such information.