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Privacy watchdog to push data safeguards

Kable

Published: 11 Dec 2007 08:30 GMT

Organisations and individuals must take step up the fight against identity fraud, the Information Commissioner's Office will say on Tuesday.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) will say that the data-security problems at HM Revenue & Customs were a watershed and call for organisations to implement new safeguards to help protect individuals' privacy.

At the "Surveillance Society" conference in Manchester on Tuesday, the ICO will also encourage people to take more control over their personal information to help them guard against the risks of identity fraud.

The UK's first privacy impact assessment handbook will be launched at the conference, aimed at helping help organisations address the risks to personal privacy before implementing new initiatives and technologies.

"Privacy impact assessments are a common-sense approach to help organisations develop privacy-friendly ways of working," said David Smith, the deputy information commissioner.

Research commissioned by the ICO shows that six out of 10 people believe they have lost control over the way their personal information is handled.

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Smith said: "Each time someone gives away their personal information, they leave electronic footprints which build up a picture of every aspect of their daily lives."

"It is essential that, before introducing new systems and technologies which could accelerate the growth of a surveillance society, full consideration is given to the impact on individuals and that safeguards are in place to minimise intrusion," Smith continued.

The conference will also highlight the use of privacy-enhancing technologies to help protect people's personal information. According to the ICO, these technologies can help to minimise the information collected about members of the public and ensure that privacy safeguards are built into systems.