Switch on to data protection
Following the recent media coverage of identity theft and the dumping of customers' personal information by banks, the Information Commissioner's Office has launched 'The lights are on…'. This new interactive training DVD is being released to improve understanding of the Data Protection Act in the work place and ensure individuals' personal information is effectively protected.
The DVD highlights a few common mistakes and the eight principles of good data protection practice, to encourage better compliance with the Act. It explains the problems that can arise for individuals when their personal information is wrongly disclosed to a third party.
David Smith, Deputy Commissioner said: “This new DVD helps get the message across that if you are entrusted with people's personal information, you must make sure that you follow the principles of the Data Protection Act. The DVD is a very useful training tool. It will help staff understand their obligations under the Act. I encourage all organisations to make full use of it.”
The Information Commissioner's recent report, What Price Privacy? shows how confidential information is sometimes obtained improperly from public and private organisations, causing significant harm and distress to individuals. The video demonstrates the technique a so-called “blagger” uses to extort a customer's personal information from an unsuspecting employee. Organisations and their staff need to be on their guard against such blaggers.
Two hundred thousand DVDs are being distributed free of charge to data protection officers in the UK – the people in businesses and public authorities who help ensure their organisations are data protection compliant. The interactive DVD also provides employees with an opportunity to refresh their knowledge of data protection and test it using a selection of quizzes. To request a free copy visit www.ico.gov.uk and use the site navigation to visit"Request Publications" ordering "
ICO The Lights are On"
or call 08453 091 091.
The "Request Publications" page is currently at https://www.ico.gov.uk/tools_and_resources/request_publications.aspx. Be aware that this leaves Compliance and Privacy and that you need to be happy with the privacy policy of the site before leaving personal details, even if it belongs to the UK Privacy Regulator. |
