ICO launches data sharing consultation

The privacy watchdog is inviting comments on its 18-page framework code, which aims to help organisations to adopt good practice when sharing information and comply with the Data Protection Act.

The public consultation period, which runs until 28 September, hopes to gather feedback on the proposed guidelines, which cover issues such as security and access to personal data, retention, and personal information sharing. The ICO also hopes organisations will use the framework to produce their own codes of practice.

“Good practice in this area is of paramount importance,” said Iain Bourne, head of data protection projects at the ICO. “Organisations that share information must do so responsibly. If they do not, they risk losing individuals’ trust.”

He added: “The framework code of Practice aims to help establish good habits when sharing personal information, whether it is being used by another enterprise or between different departments within the same organisation. It should also help to reduce the uncertainty that can surround data sharing.”