Promise to Protect Personal Information – Will Your Institution Sign-Up?
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a ‘Personal Information Promise’ that lists ten ways organisations will protect personal information. Heads of organisations are invited to sign it and the organisation’s name is then added to a list on the ICO website. The ICO believes this will improve compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998, increase confidence and illustrate to employees the importance of protecting personal information. Colleges and universities should note this will not create additional legal obligations, but might be a way to signal the respect the institution has for students’ and employees’ personal data. Senior management should consider whether to sign-up and advertise their support for data protection in this way. To view the promise, and access the list of those that have already signed, go to http://www.ico.gov.uk/Home/about_us/news_and_views/current_topics/personal_info_promise.aspx
(28/01/09)