An overview of IT outsourcing
The market for outsourcing IT services remains buoyant, and the potential financial savings have ensured that offshore outsourcing is increasingly popular. Yet whilst there are potential advantages to both parties to an outsourcing agreement, it is essential to be aware of the unique nature of outsourcing deals and the approach required to ensure a successful outcome. The mo…
Information Commissioner's Office issues guidance on information sharing to local authorities
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued guidelines to public bodies outlining various factors that local authorities and other public organisations should consider before sharing personal information between departments or with other authorities. The ICO's paper entitled "Sharing Personal Information: Our Approach" explains the ICO's general approach to informat…
ICO investigation finds Orange Personal Communication Services Limited ("Orange") and Littlewoods Shop Direct Home Shopping Limited ("Littlewoods") in breach of Data Protection Act 1998 (the "Act")
Orange and Littlewoods have been required by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to sign formal undertakings that they will adhere to the Act, following an inquiry into the manner in which personal data was stored and used. Following complaints submitted to the ICO, Orange stood accused of lacking security with regards to customers' personal data. Amongst other things,…
University warns students over abuse of online networking sites
Keele University issued a warning via e-mail to its students in May that any defamatory messages about staff on various online social networking sites such as Facebook might result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, the university warned that students might face legal action for defamation and harassment from the members of staff to whom the comments related. According to t…
Information Commissioner calls data protection security breaches "horrifying"
In his 2007 annual report, the Information Commissioner Richard Thomas has denounced the high number of security lapses by "banks, retailers, government departments, public bodies and other organisations." The Commissioner goes on to say, "My message to those at the top of organisations is to respect the privacy of individuals and the integrity of the information held about th…
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