12 Oct 2010 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
The Information Commissioner’s office in the UK announced on Friday that it was opening a consultation period on the first UK code of practice on data sharing. The 40 page code details good practice for organizations in private, public and third party organisations. There are five main topics, including when to inform an individual that their information is being shared, how to decide when sharing is acceptable, and necessary security measures.
In an ICO press release, Information Commissioner Christopher Graham remarked: ““Under the right circumstances and for the right reasons, data sharing across and between organisations can play a crucial role in providing a better, more efficient service to customers in a range of sectors – both public and private. But citizens’ and consumers’ rights under the Data Protection Act must be respected.” The ICO has invited organizations that handle personal data to offer their commentary.
Any portions of the code which are more demanding than the requirements of the Data Protection Act will not be legally binding.The consultation period will last for 12 weeks, ending on 5 January 2011.
23 Sep 2010 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
Police have arrested six men on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after they posted a video on the Internet in which they appear to burn two copies of the Koran on 11 September.
The men have been released on bail, but will face court hearings in Gateshead, police said in a statement earlier today. Two of the men were arrested on 15th September and a another four on 22 September. The arrests follow controversy over plans by US preacher Terry Jones to hold an “International Burn a Koran Day” to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
17 Sep 2010 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
Columnist AA Gill has been censured by the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) over his “dyke with a bike” comment in reference to the BBC’s Clare Balding. The TV presenter complained to the PCC after the phrase appeared in the Sunday Times earlier this year. She said that the word “dyke” was too often used as a “pejorative and insulting term”. Gill had previously come under fire for saying the presenter looked “like a big lesbian” and then issuing a mock apology. He has been the subject of 62 PCC complaints in the last five years, which have not been upheld.
13 Sep 2010 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
Two documentary-makers were arrested and detained after filming at Donald Trump’s golf resort near Aberdeen. Anthony Baxter and Richard Phinney were investigating complaints about building works on the site when Trump’s organisation accused them of entering offices and filming without permission. The two men were arrested for breach of the peace and held for four hours. Their camera equipment was retained by police for five days. Baxter and Phinney deny the allegations.
This is not the first time critics of the golf course have been given a hostile reception. On 31 August, long-standing opponent of the resort, Councillor Debra Storr, was ousted from the area committee debating Trump’s planning applications. A leading councillor lost his job in 2007 after voting against the original plans.
