ICO PRIVACY NOTICES CODE OF PRACTICE LAUNCHED

12th June 2009

ICO's final appearance to launch the Privacy Notices Code of Practice

Richard Thomas made his last public outing as Information Commissioner to launch the Privacy Notices Code of Practice. He said that this Code was all about ditching the "legal gobbledegook" and using plain english to draft clear and genuinely informative privacy notices for people. The whole aim being to make sure individuals know how information about them will be used.

Earlier this year the ICO called for an overhaul of privacy notices after consumer research revealed half of consumers don't understand what they're signing up to when they fill in on-line and paper forms. The ICO says, "too many companies baffle customers with lengthy and unnecessary legalese".

Richard Thomas also made reference to his forthcoming annual report, due in July, which will have a lot to say about transparency.

The new Code is statutory and is supported by a DVD and leaflet aimed at members of the public. The Privacy Notices Code of Practice can be found at www.ico.gov.uk/Home/for_organisations/topic_specific_guides/privacy_notices.aspx