ICO partners with law enforcement to promote ‘responsible’ data sharing to safeguard children

The data protection regulator has launched a “myth-busting” campaign called ‘Think. Check. Share.’, which it says demonstrates how data protection law can help organisations to share personal information when required to safeguard children and young people.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing are among the first organisations to work closely with the ICO to distribute the ‘Think. Check. Share.’ resources and ensure the information reaches their frontline staff working closely with children every day.

The ICO has created a toolkit of free resources to promote responsible data sharing, including posters, videos, infographics and content for social media. When partnering with the ICO, organisations can either add their logo to existing materials or create new co-branded materials if required.

The campaign follows a ten-step practical guide published in September, which outlines how organisations can safely and lawfully share information to safeguard children from physical, emotional or mental harm.

John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, said: “Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility.

“We understand that frontline workers in law enforcement are sometimes nervous about sharing personal data and the potential consequences this may have. However, if there are concerns that a child is at risk, organisations and their staff need to know they can share personal data to protect that child without falling foul of data protection law.

“Through our work with local organisations, we want to help improve child safeguarding by ensuring those working with children are empowered to share data in an appropriate, safe and lawful way.”

The ICO is inviting law enforcement organisations to get involved and help to distribute these vital messages to their staff.

Organisations can contact datasharingcode@ico.org.uk to explore opportunities to co-brand materials and support the campaign.