October 10, 2016

The ICO has published a new code of practice on Privacy Notices, warning business leaders that transparency with customers is fundamental if they want to succeed in the digital economy.

The new code of practice sets out how organisations should explain to people how they are using their personal information.  It follows an ICO survey, which found that only one in four adults trust businesses with their information.

The Privacy Notices guidance launch reinforces the message set out in Elizabeth Denham’s first speech as UK Information Commissioner (see item above) that transparency and trust are essential to reputation and innovation in business.

The code of practice is the first piece of guidance published by the ICO that has been written to explain how to comply with both the existing Data Protection Act 1998 and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).  EU countries must comply with the GDPR from 25 May 2018.

Jo Pedder, ICO Head of Policy Delivery, said: “Transparency is crucial to trust in big data, Internet of Things and development of the digital economy.  Organisations need to do more to explain to consumers what they’re doing with their information and why.  It’s important to remember that reputation can be easily lost when people discover you haven’t been completely honest about how you are using their information”.  To access the new code of practice, click here.