ICO consults on strategy

The UK's Information Commissioner is to review the way that it enforces data protection

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a consultation on its new Data Protection Strategy. With its new interpretation of the Act, the unit will look to shore up its good practices and minimise the risks associated with firms storing personal data.

A spokeswoman for the ICO said that the new rules would help the organisation better meet its responsibilities, and help it ensure that businesses and other organisations storing and processing data are equally aware of their own.

The new strategy was launched at the Privacy Laws and Business conference on 2 July. In order to follow good regulatory practice, the ICO said that it would focus its efforts, and resources, on areas where there is a serious perceived risk.

The ICO also aims to do more work as a strategic regulator, and will try and influence the government so that the privacy of personal data is considered at all stages of policy development.

In a statement, deputy commissioner David Smith said that protecting privacy would not become more difficult for firms. “Public confidence depends on us taking a practical, down to earth approach – simplifying and making it easier for the majority of organisations who seek to handle personal information well, but making it tougher for the majority who do not,” he explained.

The consultation will run until the 28 September. The ICO spokeswoman predicted little resistance to it, but added that “any firm with an opinion is invited to make it known”.

The ICO's consultation draft can be found on its web site.