Bid to cut public data complaints

christopher grahamThe Information Commissioner’s Office is trying to stamp out the thousands of complaints it gets from consumers trying to find out what data is held on them by companies with new, simplified, guidance to help firms process requests.
During the last financial year, the ICO handled over 6,000 complaints related to so-called “subject access requests” subject access requests, with over one in six of these complaints relating to money lenders, including credit reference agencies and banks. Once received, an organisation normally has 40 days to reply to the request.
The new guidance – which has been accredited by the Plain Language Commission – is designed to help organisations handle requests more efficiently, while supporting the public in taking control of their personal information.
But the ICO is not stopping there – it will be carrying out a subject access request “sweep” of websites later this year, to examine how companies are handling access requests online.
Under the Data Protection Act, anyone has the right to find out what information an organisation holds about them by making a subject access request. This right allows individuals to find out important information ranging from details recorded on their credit history to data included in their health record.
Information Commissioner Christopher Graham (pictured) said: “[Our] complaints figures show that many organisations still need to improve their processes for dealing with these requests.
“Handling subject access requests correctly can benefit organisations by highlighting errors and helping them to make sure the information they are using is accurate and up-to-date.
“Our new subject access code of practice will help organisations deal with these types of requests in a timely and efficient manner, allowing them to demonstrate that they are looking after their customers’ data and being open and transparent about the information they collect. This can only be a good thing for organisations and consumers.”

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  1. Bid to cut public data complaints http://t.co/SIwN8HSUfZ via @DM_editor

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