Public needs data-sharing education, says watchdog

Updated guidelines are part of an awareness campaign by the Information Commissioner

Thomas: public awareness is key

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is launching a campaign to educate the public on how personal information can legally be used.

The data-sharing watchdog has published additional guidance amid concerns that the public has little idea of the extent of the practice.

'More and more information is being shared about us, often for useful and wholly legitimate purposes,' said Iain Bourne, head of Data Protection Projects at the ICO.

'It is important that individuals are aware of their rights under the Data Protection Act,' said Bourne.

Where information sharing falls within the legal definition of 'reasonable' it often takes place without consent. But such consent is required if an organisation is to share sensitive or confidential data, such as health records.

Under the Data Protection Act individuals have the right to access any information held about them. Organisations sharing information must be able to tell the public what the data is, who it is shared with and why.

And according to the latest ICO guidance, an individual asked to consent to information sharing should have a 'genuine free choice'.