The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has said it is reviewing its trial over the past two years of a revised approach to working with public sector organisations.
It began the trial - outlined in an open letter - in June 2002 with a shift in its approach to dealing with public authorities that failed in their responsibilities for data protection. This involved sharply reducing the use of stiff fines in favour of more reprimands and engaging with organisations to achieve improvements.
It is now aiming to complete its review before deciding whether to continue the approach in the autumn, and will continue to use it until then.
“While we have continued to issue fines to public bodies where appropriate, we have also been using our other regulatory tools to ensure people’s information is handled appropriately and money isn't diverted away from where it's needed the most,” the ICO said.
