The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published a guidance document, Deleting personal data, which sets out how organisations can ensure compliance with the DPA, in particular the fifth data protection principle, when archiving or deleting personal information. It sets out what the ICO mean by deletion, archiving and putting personal data ‘beyond use’. Although ‘deletion’ means ‘destruction’, the ICO, however, recognises that deleting information from a computer system is not always a straightforward matter and that it is possible to put information ‘beyond use’, and for data protection compliance issues to be ‘suspended’ provided that certain safeguards are in place.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
