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Journalists urged to give views on new ICO media guidance

Anulka ClarkeJournalists are being urged to give their views as the Information Commissioner’s Office seeks to update its guidance for those in media on issues around data protection.

The ICO is developing a new code of practice for those processing personal data for the purposes of journalism to understand their legal obligations and how to “comply effectively”.

The code will be aimed at those working for newspapers and magazines, television and radio broadcasters, and ‘citizen journalists’.

Anulka Clarke, the ICO’s acting director of regulatory assurance, is now calling for journalists to come forward giving their views on the subject.

Anulka, pictured, said: “We want the code to be as practical and helpful as possible and deal with key issues that are relevant to journalism today.

“This includes updates to reflect legislative changes and relevant case law.

“However, the best way for us to produce the most useful tool is to hear the views of journalists, media companies and anyone who is using or affected by the code.

“The next big opportunity to put views across will be a public consultation over the summer when we’ll publish a draft code, explain how we’ve taken feedback into account, and ask for further feedback to help us consider impacts and the statutory review of processing for the purposes of journalism.”

Those wanting to give their views can email [email protected].