| |
|
|
| COMPLICATED
DATA PROTECTION RULES TO BE TACKLED |
29/07/03 |
| |
The
Information Commissioner has launched a new scheme aimed at ending concerns
about the complexity and red tape surrounding data protection.
Publishing his first annual report since being appointed, Richard Thomas
announced the start of a "Make Data Protection Simpler" project
which aims to identify ways of simplifying data protection regulation.
The intention is to make it easier for organisations to protect the personal
information of individuals in practice, and will focus on quick changes
– particularly looking for changes of policy and procedure, as well as revisions
to secondary legislation which could be changed without waiting for a Parliamentary
Bill.
Thomas is urging organisations and individuals to come forward with their
own ideas on what they would like to see simplified and made more effective,
with a more formal consultation planned for the autumn.
He says: “My office has achieved a lot in the past year covering a wide
range of data protection issues, from the conclusion of the BAIRD project
to the development of the Employment Practices Data Protection Code. However,
there is still a lot to be done, and there are many challenges ahead.
“Data protection is all about proper safeguards for personal information.
It really matters to people if, for example, there are mistakes on their
personal files or if confidential material is wrongly made available.
"Since taking up the post seven months ago, I have heard a lot of negative
comment about the complexity of data protection and this unfortunately is
getting in the way of ensuring that real protection is achieved in practice.
"The project aims to address this important issue. I have already been
able to find ways to simplify our Code on monitoring staff in the workplace,
now I want to look at other aspects.
"I cannot re-write the EU Directive or the 1998 Data Protection Act,
but I believe that we are likely to find many detailed changes of approach
which will add up to fewer burdens on business and better protection for
ordinary people. This will be a win-win for all concerned.
“Data protection and freedom of information are not only safeguards to our
society, but also fundamental to good business practice. After all, which
business wants to hold information about their customers or staff that is
inaccurate, out of date or insecure? Which public body wants to generate
suspicion and distrust thorough unnecessary secrecy?
"Where necessary I need to use the legal sanctions available to me,
but I shall have failed if it becomes the norm to force organisations to
do things they do not believe to be sensible.
“My overall goal is to weave data protection and freedom of information
into the fabric of society so that both are seen as natural, beneficial
and essential.”
Thomas’s annual report also highlights other changes designed to help his
office to deliver the right results. These include:
- a comprehensive review of aims and objectives in Autumn 2003 to ensure
that the Office adopts a more strategic and pragmatic approach to the effectiveness
of data protection and freedom of information;
- the publication of a new Business Plan to spell out more clearly what
the office will be doing in the year ahead – and how and when;
- the recruitment of non-executive members of the Commissioner’s Management
Board;
- new emphasis on targeting enforcement on activities causing the greatest
problems; - focus on helping organisations to recognise that they benefit
from good standards of information-handling.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
