Personal Information Online

Introduction to the consultation

The online universe is expanding and developing rapidly. New technologies and services are transforming the way we do business. The increasing take-up of social networking, email, e-commerce and e-government reflects our growing dependence on the internet as a means of conducting business, whether personal or professional.

The internet offers great possibilities for convenience and for new experiences, but it can also present risks. A record of our online activity can reveal our most personal interests. This code explains the privacy risks that can arise and suggests ways of dealing with them by adopting good practice.

This code sets out clear, comprehensive recommendations for handling personal data properly and for giving individuals the right degree of choice and control over it. It should also help all organisations with an online presence to negotiate areas of legal uncertainty by adopting good practice.

The purpose of this consultation is to seek the views of those who will be affected by the new code and to ask for suggestions for improving it.