Privacy campaigners declare war on Information Commission

The Information Commission has come under more fire today from privacy campaigners flabbergasted by what they claim is the Commission's lenient stance on protecting data.

Writing in the Telegraph today, Simon Davies, director of pressure group Privacy International, declared 'war' on the Information Commission (IC), lambasting its "bizarre" decision to endorse a scheme to take digital fingerprints of schoolchildren.

He added: "On the basis of what we have heard this week, it [the Information Commission] should be regarded with suspicion by anyone who cares about privacy."

He told silicon.com he no longer trusted the organisation to look after the interests of data subjects in the UK.

The Information Commission has the job of ensuring the Data Protection Act is enforced. It also oversees new freedom of information legislation.

This is the first time privacy groups have openly opposed the IC.

Ian Brown, director of policy think tank the Foundation for Information Policy Research, said he also had grave doubts about the IC's ability to uphold data laws: "We are supporting the work they do but have very grave concerns about their recent behaviour.

"They have tried but aren't genuinely independent and standing up enough to government."

Jonathan Bamford, assistant commissioner at the IC, said he didn't believe the criticisms were valid.

"Since we were established in 1985 our record speaks for itself. This is a hollow statement from Privacy International.

"People can be confident that we have the law on our side and will fight for people's data rights," he said.