We have two main aims: to ensure that public information is available to all, unless there are good reasons for non-disclosure, and to ensure that personal information is protected.
We do this by overseeing the laws that give you rights about the official information you can see and the personal information that organisations hold about you.
The Data Protection Act and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations give you the right to know what information is held about you, and set rules to make sure this information is handled properly.
The Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations give you the right to obtain information held by public bodies unless there are good reasons to keep it confidential.
Our vision
The ICO’s vision is a society where information rights and responsibilities are respected by all.
- Organisations inspire trust by collecting and using personal information responsibly, securely and fairly.
- People understand how their personal information is used, are aware of their rights and are confident in using them.
- Public authorities are open and transparent, providing people with access to official information as a matter of course.
- People are aware of their rights of access to official information and are confident in using them.
We provide a number of services to support our vision.
- We provide a general enquiry service for individuals and organisations.
- We publish guidance and information to encourage organisations to achieve good practice and help individuals to understand their rights.
- We resolve eligible complaints from people who think the Data Protection Act or Freedom of Information Act has been breached.
- We maintain the public register of data controllers.
- We approve publication schemes adopted by public authorities under the Freedom of Information Act.
- We prosecute those who commit offences under the legislation.
- We speak to groups to raise awareness of the law and how it works.
- We influence thinking on privacy and access issues.
Our top priorities over the next three years are to:
- succeed with our freedom of information responsibilities - deciding cases speedily in ways which command public and organisational confidence and which promote a genuine culture of open government;
- strengthen public confidence in data protection by taking a practical, down-to-earth approach - simplifying and making it easier for the majority of organisations who seek to handle personal information well, and tougher for the minority who do not, and;
- ensure we are well led and managed - an effective, efficient and influential organisation, outward looking and delivering real service to society.
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