NEWS
May 22, 2020
Data watchdog relaxes regulatory function to prioritise guidance on complying with law during coronavirus public health emergency
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will stand down audit work, issue fewer fines and generally use fewer formal powers against organisations that are struggling to meet data protection standards as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 18, 2020
School breached data protection and human rights, unlawfully misused personal information of Down's Syndrome pupil and mother: High Court
A primary school breached the Data Protection Act 1988 and Human Rights Act 1998 and unlawfully misused the personal information of a child with Down’s Syndrome and her mother, the High Court has ruled.
Apr 20, 2020
Judge orders fresh hearing in dispute over disclosure of advice to council on tactics in negotiations with supermarket giant
An Upper Tribunal judge has set aside a decision by a First-tier Tribunal (FTT) that upheld – after a freedom of information request – the withholding of an agent’s advice to a local authority on the tactics it should apply in negotiations with Tesco over a proposed development.
Apr 16, 2020
Information watchdog sets out its regulatory approach during COVID-19
The Information Commissioner's Office has issued a statement setting out its regulatory approach during the coronavirus pandemic, saying it will focus on those areas likely to cause the greatest public harm.
Apr 03, 2020
Tribunal stays information rights cases for 28 days
The First-Tier Tribunal General Regulatory Chamber (Information Rights) has – with immediate effect – stayed for a period of 28 days all proceedings under section 48 of the Data Protection Act 1998, section 162 of the Data Protection Act 2018 and section 57 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Apr 02, 2020
Supreme Court rules on vicarious liability for data breach
The Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that supermarket chain Morrisons was not liable for the actions of employee who published staff salary data.
Mar 23, 2020
LGA issues briefing on Coronavirus Bill, calls for temporary relaxation of FOI and GDPR requirements
The Local Government Association has called for additional powers to be given to local government as it published a briefing on the measures contained in the Coronavirus Bill.
Mar 17, 2020
Town clerk fined for blocking records with intent to prevent disclosure after FOI request
A town clerk has been fined £400 and ordered to pay costs of £1,493 after being prosecuted by the Information Commissioner’s Office for intentionally blocking records with the intent to prevent disclosure.
Mar 17, 2020
Government to consider allowing virtual committee meetings on temporary basis: Jenrick
The government is to consider bringing forward legislation to legislation to allow council committee meetings to be held virtually for a temporary period during the coronavirus outbreak, the Local Government Secretary has said.
Mar 11, 2020
Information watchdog warns of dangers of school photos and wrongful disclosure of personal data
The Information Commissioner’s Office has issued two reprimands, or legal warnings, to schools for wrongly disclosing the personal data of children.
