UNITED KINGDOM
ICO publishes online privacy guidance
The Information Commissioner's Office has issued privacy guidelines which will help consumers make informed choices about whether they sign up for online services. Information Commissioner Christopher Graham warned that business, charities and public bodies not adhering to the guidelines face a 'double whammy' of enforcement action.
NHS set for 'information revolution'
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced plans to give patients more control of their health records and enable them to report their experiences online. The Department of Health's "Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS" white paper outlines plans for an 'information revolution.' The department will consult on the data security implications of the reforms later this year.
Data must be erased from old photocopies
Since 2002 most digital photocopiers have been fitted with a hard disk that saves details of documents and information that has been put through the machine. The Financial Services Authority has reminded firms to erase all personal data when photocopies are replaced.
Online credit reports available for all customers
Consumers can now access their statutory credit report online for £2 from all three major UK credit reference agencies (Equifax, Experian and Callcredit) after agreement was reached between the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the industry.
EUROPE
EPC updates audit trail guidelines for European banks
The European Payments Council has approved an updated version of its guidelines on "The Use of Audit Trails in Security Systems: Guidelines for European Banks." The revised guidelines support payment service providers to comply with information security requirements underlying a payment transaction. Specifically, the scope of the guidelines now include recommendations as regards the maintenance of audit trails of payment systems.
Ukraine parliament ratifies convention on protection of personal data
The Ukrainian parliament has ratified the Council of Europe's Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data and an additional protocol regarding supervisory authorities and trans-border data flows.
SeCure
SeCure is Addleshaw Goddard's unique, holistic and pragmatic approach to information management for organisations who have suffered an information breach or who may be concerned about their potential exposure. SeCure seeks to minimise risk and the impact of information losses on an organisation's business, through three interdependent approaches, addressing the commercial and legal requirements at each stage of the information management cycle.
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