Top lawyer clinches Information Commissioner role

A high-level lawyer at one of the world's largest law firms has been chosen to be the next Information Commissioner.

Richard Thomas, currently director of public policy at Clifford Chance, will be responsible for upholding the Data Protection Act and ensuring from government freedom of information.

Thomas' appointment was confirmed by the Queen yesterday. He will take over from current Information Commissioner Elizabeth France in December.

Previously, Thomas worked for eight years within the public sector as director of consumer affairs at the Office of Fair Trading. His involvement with data protection issues go as far back as 1984, when he helped draw up the original Data Protection Act.

The Information Commission merges the old role of Data Protection Registrar with the new responsibility to ensure the openness of government under the Freedom of Information Act.

Speaking to silicon.com, Thomas said he was looking forward to taking on the post. He said: "Above all I have great enthusiasm for these issues which are two of the hottest topics in public debate today.

"People need to realise this is not just an issue for the chattering classes but something that impacts upon everyone's lives."

The role of Information Commissioner has gained increasing importance in the last few years, with controversial government policies such as the RIP Act and recent anti-terror legislation seen by many as impinging on privacy.

While the incumbent Commissioner has spoken out against government policy, and is thought to have stepped down from the post because of disagreements, many have criticised France for not taking a tough enough line.

In addition, the Commission itself has been called "toothless" for lacking the ability to impose effective sanctions against organisations that breach data protection laws.

The appointment of Thomas received an immediate endorsement from John Wadham, director of Liberty.

He said: "Richard will be a real asset to the job - this is a man that will ensure individuals' rights are respected."

Although reluctant to give an indication of his stance on current government policy, Thomas said the biggest challenge of the new job would be to change the culture in business and government.

He said: "People are more and more getting the message on data protection, but freedom of information is a new subject and one the public sector has to get to grips with."