http://www.dpr.gov.uk./RSSFeeds/PressReleases.aspx Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:55:18 GMT Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:44:45 GMT en Copyright 2006 Information Commissioner's Office Sitecore CMS: http://www.sitecore.net. Sitecore RSS module: Sitecore.Modules.RSS, Version=1.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=null The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has upheld a decision by the Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary refusing to disclose information on the grounds that the request was vexatious. The ICO believes that complying with the request for information would impose a significant burden on Cheshire Constabulary and that the intention behind the request would have the effect of harassing the force. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/cheshire_constabulary_dn_final.pdf Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:44:45 GMT aa23c1f6-cfd8-4c69-ba0c-6390b067244a The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is today publishing new common sense guidance for freedom of information practitioners on how to deal with requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) which relate to individuals’ personal information. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/personal_information_exemption_guidance_.pdf Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:35:24 GMT b2a2c90f-55ae-4156-b351-a290c464b29c The details of 22 non-safety recalls recorded by the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) in 2006 must be made public following a ruling under the Freedom of Information Act. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has ordered VOSA to release the information as the details of non-safety recalls will not affect the commercial interests of manufacturers. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/vosa_decision_notice_111108.pdf Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:32:32 GMT 0202638e-2a65-4cb3-82c8-5673abd5bd9a The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is advising the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) that it must improve its handling of requests made under the Freedom of Information Act in order to conform to the expected standards of good practice. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/clg_practice_recommendation.pdf Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:51:18 GMT 415c5dc4-47ea-4238-93ce-0a8fec631f16 "The Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, was notified of this incident on Saturday by the Government. He is now awaiting the results of ongoing investigations to establish the facts and the nature and extent of any risk to individuals. The Information Commissioner expects the Government to take appropriate damage limitation steps as its first priority." http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/ico_statement_on_government_gateway_breach.pdf Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:03:35 GMT b6ab78f1-eb6b-46b8-af03-07ad7e1c2fa5 The number of data breaches reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has soared to 277 since HMRC lost 25 million child benefit records nearly a year ago. New figures, released today by the ICO, include 80 reported breaches by the private sector, 75 within the NHS and other health bodies, 28 reported by central government, 26 by local authorities and 47 by the rest of the public sector. The ICO is investigating 30 of the most serious cases. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/data_breaches_29_october_2008.pdf Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:24:16 GMT 7f9163b5-6721-4325-8b68-43013ea0d575 The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has upheld a decision by the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act to keep details on TV detection devices private. The ICO agreed with the BBC that disclosing the information could assist people who wish to avoid paying the licence fee. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/bbc_detection_devices_dn241008.pdf Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:14:15 GMT ef013659-c29e-4091-849a-5976cf7b68e7 The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has ruled under the Freedom of Information Act that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) was right to withhold the minutes of the cross party group meetings on House of Lords reform. The information is exempt from disclosure under the Act as it relates to the formulation and development of government policy. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/hol_reform_dn_201008.pdf Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:29:46 GMT 322ead7a-e0a2-4e22-a937-f35d9c2b4444 "The Data Protection Act is not a barrier to sensible information sharing. The MoJ has clarified the nature of its project to help better identify the number of veterans currently serving prison sentences by means of a survey. They accept that the Data Protection Act is not a hindrance. Sometimes we hear of cases where organisations have not properly thought through whether they can respond to enquiries from individuals. They have simply said no and used data protection as a duck out. The Data Protection Act plays a very important role in protecting our personal information. However, when it is applied with common sense it does not act as an unjustified barrier to sensible uses and disclosures of personal information." http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/ico_moj_survey_statement_final.pdf Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:00:42 GMT 06494a70-383a-4fd0-abbb-9b4e1a5bff11 "This summer the Information Commissioner called for a public debate on government proposals for the state to retain citizens’ internet and phone records. The Commissioner warned that it is likely that such a scheme would be a step too far for the British way of life. Creating huge databases containing personal information is never a risk-free option as it is not possible to fully eliminate the danger that the data will fall into the wrong hands. It is therefore of paramount importance that proposals threatening such intrusion into our lives are fully debated. We welcome the fact that the government intends to fully consult the public on any scheme it brings forward. Precise details of the plans are unclear at this stage; the ICO will be studying the proposals once published and responding to the Government's consultation in due course." http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/ico_statement_comms_data_bill.pdf Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:45:12 GMT 6a7bbdec-f854-4828-b4c6-c60aa60436ac The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has ruled that two housing associations in Northern Ireland are public authorities for the purpose of requests under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). Assistant Information Commissioner, Steve Wood is ordering both housing associations to release information on property development or issue a formal notice stating why the information should not be disclosed. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/eir_housing_associations_171008.pdf Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:48:37 GMT f937c5ad-b503-432b-ab5d-b417349393a4 The names and addresses of organisations involved in Employment Tribunal cases must be made public according to a new ruling under the Freedom of Information Act. The Information Commissioner’s Office has ordered the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to release the material having decided that there is a strong public interest in its disclosure. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/berr_employment_tribunals141008.pdf Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:37:11 GMT dfdb1118-8b53-4560-a4b3-2148fbddf125 The Information Commissioner’s Office has ruled that the standard operating procedures used by King’s College London when testing for the use of performance enhancing substances by athletes should not be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/kings_college_dn_131008.pdf Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:35:19 GMT d7443a86-d162-4f1f-a8b4-0bd74ad8b97b The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has ordered Ofsted to release a redacted version of the handwritten evidence forms completed during an inspection of St Patrick’s Primary School in Bristol. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/ofsted_decision_notice081008.pdf Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:27:53 GMT d24441c2-9922-438f-b0cb-74f8986fe1c8 To mark the start of National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is urging individuals to test how well they look after their personal information by using the Personal Information Healthcheck. The online tool provides advice to individuals on how to protect personal details and reduce the risk of identity fraud. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/nat_id_fraud_prevention_week031008.pdf Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:59:32 GMT 770f000b-e72f-4998-907d-9b36018c309b The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has successfully prosecuted a Waltham Forest accountant for offences under the Data Protection Act. David Wenham of David J Wenham & Co was fined £450 and ordered to pay costs of £587.40, plus a victims’ surcharge of £15. Mr Wenham must pay a total of £1,052.40 in fines and costs. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/east_london_accountant_non-notification.pdf Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:17:45 GMT ef5611f1-9c3e-4531-9c95-b7412cc02789 The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has found Virgin Media Limited in breach of the Data Protection Act following the loss of an unencrypted CD containing the personal details of over three thousand customers. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/virgin_undertaking_pr_300908.pdf Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:53:34 GMT c44f0e74-902e-4f02-9b0e-0e4ae6044496 The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has found the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) in breach of the Data Protection Act after it failed to supply an individual with information it held about that person. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/clg_enforcement_action260908.pdf Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:26:52 GMT 9ec2a3f0-c813-4a4c-9297-585afc208928 Ever wondered how much your local council spends on keeping your roads and parks clean and tidy? What about the number of empty properties that are in your area? The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is today launching tips to help people use their rights under the Freedom of Information Act to access official information from public authorities. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/inter_right_to_know_day.pdf Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:19:51 GMT 184376ca-0ad8-4124-a710-f24210643a9d The Information Commissioner’s Office has taken enforcement action against the Liberal Democrats after finding the party in breach of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. This follows an investigation by the ICO into the party’s use of automated phone calls. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/lib_dem_en_final_250908.pdf Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:42:36 GMT bfb037f0-bb8a-491d-b7d1-cdaaa8e7ec11 The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is calling on consumers to exercise their rights under the Data Protection Act to help minimise the amount of personal information held about them by organisations. This follows a number of recent data breaches by high profile organisations which demonstrate the risks if too much personal information is kept. Today the ICO is launching the Personal Information Healthcheck – a new online tool to help consumers do their bit to protect and manage their personal information. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/pi_healthcheck_180908.pdf Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:11:43 GMT a2879bb6-8c22-40e3-b666-e5afb77bc3d8 The Information Commissioner’s Office has published new guidance to help social care staff who regularly handle requests for social services records under the Data Protection Act. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/social_care_sars_final.pdf Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:42:00 GMT b07bee07-7f86-48fa-86e0-96f6d1776390 The ICO is urging local authorities to consider data protection when publishing documents relating to council meetings, such as agendas, reports and minutes, which may contain personal information. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/local_gov_act_schedule_12a_tgn_final.pdf Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:40:19 GMT 2236f9ed-edb6-419c-aef8-eec5534575c7 The Information Commissioner’s Office has published new guidance to help local authority staff who regularly handle requests under the Data Protection Act for local authority housing records. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/housing_records_sars_final.pdf Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:37:46 GMT 84d74837-e7d9-4af4-86af-8f51cfc77640 In the news today is the story of a Marks & Spencer employee who told the mother of a seven year old that they could not talk to her about the delivery of her son’s Superman suit because it would infringe his data protection rights. This is a clear example of a data protection duck out, using the Data Protection Act as an excuse when dealing with enquiries from customers. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/statement_mands_superman.pdf Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:26:34 GMT 2b801194-113f-4146-94df-6481c475b860 The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is urging organisations not to hide behind the Data Protection Act unnecessarily when dealing with individuals. The ICO’s call comes at the start of Stupid Aid Week (1-5 September) which highlights common misunderstandings such as the belief by some organisations that data protection stops them giving out any personal information or prevents them from dealing with certain types of enquiries. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/data_protection_duck_out_010908.pdf Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:15:03 GMT ad853e48-805d-4289-b86a-e53b61ad8169 The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has commissioned the Enterprise Privacy Group to provide a report examining how organisations can build in privacy protection before implementing new initiatives and technologies. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/enterprise_privacy_group_final.pdf Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:24:05 GMT 8dd883bc-0a80-47f8-b10c-265916e220ae The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has ordered the Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary to disclose the make and model of vehicles provided for personal use to two Assistant Chief Constables. This follows a request under the Freedom of Information Act for details about the cars provided to Chief Police Officers for their personal use. The public authority confirmed that two Assistant Chief Constables are provided with vehicles for their own use. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/hampshire_constabulary_dn210808.pdf Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:45:14 GMT c998ffb2-b5c6-4c5c-a55e-cf2a186c685f The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is calling on public authorities to become more transparent by proactively disclosing official information. This comes as the ICO launches its new model publication scheme for public authorities. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/publication_schemes_general_final.pdf Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:33:58 GMT 00205335-ca59-4d34-93b6-011a86119fa5 The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) yesterday successfully prosecuted a Middlesex accountant for offences under the Data Protection Act. Mr Satish Lakhani of Lake & Co Accountants based in Harrow, was fined £300 and ordered to pay costs of £483.40, plus a victims’ surcharge of £15 at Harrow Magistrates Court. Mr Lakhani must pay a total of £798.40 in fines and costs. http://www.dpr.gov.uk./upload/documents/pressreleases/2008/harrow_accountant_non_not_accountant200808final.pdf Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:00:32 GMT e15d63bc-5bad-4138-ba15-f9ea11a75b97