Consultation on use and sharing of personal information
A consultation exercise about how personal information is used and shared in the public and private sectors has been launched by the Ministry of Justice. The consultation forms part of an independent review into the use and sharing of personal information announced by the Prime Minister following the loss by a Government department of millions of peoples’ private details.
The consultation asks how and why information is shared and used; what impact technological advances have had on the protection of personal information; whether there are lessons the UK can learn from other countries; and seeks real life examples of data sharing, and views on current data protection legislation and safeguards.
The review will assess how personal information is used and shared by organisations across the public and private sectors and how data sharing policy should be developed to ensure proper transparency, scrutiny and accountability.
Consultation closes on 15 February 2008 and responses to this consultation will be used by the managers of the process, Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner and Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust, to report back to Jack Straw in the first half of 2008.
The consultation document can be found at:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/data-sharing-review-consultation.htm
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
