ICO calls for public consultation on information sharing

The Information Comissioner's Office (ICO) has called on the public to make its views known on the framework code of practice for sharing personal information. It also asked members of the public to help shape a revised CCTV code of conduct.

The present code of conduct governing CCTVs was published in 2000. Since then, the UK has earned the dubious distinction of having more CCTV cameras per head than anywhere else in the world.

The draft version of the code was published yesterday and a deadline for submissions has been set for 1 October. The framework code aims to help organisations to adopt good practice when sharing information and comply with the Data Protection Act. The ICO is encouraging organisations to use the framework code to produce their own codes of practice.

It said that by looking at the main data protection issues such as information security, accuracy of information and retention periods, the framework code will help organisations make well-informed decisions about sharing personal information.

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

"The framework code of practice aims to help establish good practice when sharing personal information, whether it is being shared with another organisation or between different departments within the same organisation," he said.

Bourne said that this should also help to reduce the uncertainty that can surround information-sharing.

The framework deals with the following:

Deciding to share personal information

Fairness and transparency

Information standards

Retention of shared information

Security of shared information

Access to personal information

Freedom of information

The framework code of Practice for Sharing Personal Information is available here.

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