The UK Information Commissioner releases its Guide to the General Data Protection Regulation

May 6, 2018 |

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (the ICO) produces excellent guides relating to UK and EU laws. They are much clearer, specific and, therefore, useful than the guidances produced by the Australian Information Commissioner.  Given the legislation and regulations in this area of the law is principles based having good guidances is critical.

The ICO has produces its Guide to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).  A 171 page tome on all matters relating to compliance with the GDPR.  The GDPR is about to take effect in Europe, on 25 May 2018 to be precise.  It’s impact will range farther than the borders of the European Union.    Even Mark Zuckerberg in his much vaunted testimony to Congress in April said Facebook would, eventually, comply with the GDPR.

The GDPR differs from the Australian Privacy Principles.  It is much more comprehensive.  However that does not mean that they are not relevant for Australian practitioners.  Companies with a significant presence in the EU will need to be aware of the GDPR requirements.  At the local level the GDPR provides an insight and assistance on  privacy and data security issues that arise on a regular basis.  The Australian Information Commissioner’s guidelines are generally best only regarded as a starting point and, as stated above, are usually of a lesser quality.

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