The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is an independent body set up to promote access to official information and to protect personal information. If you are unhappy with a decision made by the Information Commissioner you might be able to appeal against it.
About the ICO
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) can help you understand what the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and related issues mean to you. It can advise you on how to protect your personal information and how to gain access to official records.
Personal information is information about you. It can be your name, address or telephone number. It can also be the type of job you do, the things you buy and the place you went to school. You are entitled to see information held about you.
Access to official information
You are entitled to see official information held by public authorities, including:
- government departments
- local authorities
- police forces
- How to access information from a public body - ICO website
What do the Acts mean to you?
Find out about, and the differences between:
- Data Protection Act
- Freedom of Information Act
- Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations
- Environmental Information Regulations
- INSPIRE Regulations
Make a complaint
If you think an organisation has failed to comply with the legislation the ICO regulates, you may may be able to get help. You can find out how to make a complaint and more at the the following link to the ICO website.