Information Commissioner launches online privacy consultation

Common sense approach to individuals' internet privacy

Christopher Graham: People should have control over what happens to their personal information online

The Information Commissioner’s Office launched a consultation today to provide guidance for organisations on how to protect individuals' privacy online.

A draft code of practice resulting from the consultation will explain how current legislation applies to online privacy and guide organisations wishing to adopt a practical and common sense approach to the problem.

In a speech at the Personal Information Online Conference in Manchester, Information Commissioner Christopher Graham said, "People should have control over what happens to their personal information online, whether it’s correcting inaccuracies, deleting profiles or choosing the privacy settings that suit them. "

The consultation begins on 9 December 2009 and ends on 5 March 2010.