HR Legal Update – ICO highlights considerations for the future of privacy with the emergence of wearable technology

With the launch of wearable technology (WT) products such as Google Glass and Smart watches, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has highlighted that as WT develops, people will understandably have reservations about the increasing amounts of personal information that these products are capable of collecting and transmitting.

With the launch of wearable technology (WT) products such as Google Glass and Smart watches, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has highlighted that as WT develops, people will understandably have reservations about the increasing amounts of personal information that these products are capable of collecting and transmitting. And it is not just an issue of personal use, but also for employers using WT as a business tool. The ICO points out that where businesses are concerned, the use of wearable technology to process personal information will almost always be covered the Data Protection Act. This means that they must process the information collected by these devices in compliance with the legislation. This includes making sure that people are being informed about how their details are being collected and used, only collecting information that is relevant, adequate and not excessive and ensuring that any information that needs to be collected is kept securely and deleted once it is no longer required. Therefore, relevant policies and staff training need to be put in place.

 

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