ICO consults on anonymisation code as open data agenda gathers pace

The Information Commissioner’s Office has launched a public consultation on a new anonymisation code of practice.

The watchdog said the code, which is set for publication in September 2012, would provide guidance on how information can be successfully anonymised and how to assess the risks of identification.

The ICO is also tendering for the establishment of a network of experts to share best practice around the release of data in an anonymised form.

The importance of anonymisation techniques is expected to grow with initiatives such as the Government’s open data agenda.

The Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, said: “The UK is putting more and more valuable data into the public domain. The open data agenda will see this process continue and I welcome the power this information gives the average UK citizen to understand how the public sector operates and hold organisations to account.

“However, while the public wants to see openness, they want to see their privacy rights respected too. The risks of anonymisation can sometimes be underestimated and in other cases overstated; organisations need to be aware of what those risks are and take a structured approach to assessing them, particularly in light of other personal information in the public domain.”

Graham insisted that the code of practice would aim to provide clear, practical advice on how data can be anonymised. 

The consultation closes on 23 August 2012. More information can be found on the ICO’s website here.