New data sharing code of practice published

The code provides advice to organisations on how to share data lawfully and fairly to comply with data protection legislation. The ICO has also established an information hub including support and resources. 

Under the terms of the Data Protection Act 2018, the ICO was required to establish a code that provides practical guidance on sharing personal data. The first draft was opened for consultation in July 2019.

The previous data sharing code was published in 2011, under the Data Protection Act 1998.

The new code has been submitted to the secretary of state for parliamentary approval. Once the code has been laid before parliament it will remain there for 40 sitting days and will come into force 21 days after that, provided there are no objections.

Elizabeth Denham, information commissioner, said: “This code demonstrates that the legal framework is an enabler to responsible data sharing and busts some of the myths that currently exist.

“I want my code of practice to be part of a wider effort to address the technical, organisational and cultural challenges for data sharing. The ICO will be at the forefront of a collective effort, engaging with key stakeholders.”

The ICO reopened its regulatory sandbox service earlier this year, with one of the areas focusing on data sharing in the public interest.