http://www.informationlaw.org.uk en-gb informationlaw.org.uk 2012-12-4T00:00:00Z informationlaw.org.uk http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#128646 Act Now Training is pleased to announce the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information Scotland. This is the first certificated course specifically designed for those who work with Freedom of Information and the Environmental Information Regulations in Scotland. Successful candidates will receive a certificate demonstrating that they possess a good knowledge of Freedom of Information and other information laws as they apply in Scotland as well as an understanding of the practical implications for their organisation.The Certificate is endorsed by the Centre for Freedom of Information based at the University of Dundee. The Executive Director of the Centre is Professor Kevin Dunion formerly the Scottish Information Commissioner. Professor Dunion says On behalf of the Centre for Freedom of Information I am pleased to endorse Act Now Trainings Practitioner Certificate in Freedom Scotland. In my view it is important that the skills which our FOISA practitioners have built ... 2012-12-4 19:11:08 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#127125 ColleaguesMajor changes to the local authority surveillance regime under RIPA come into force tomorrow. Local authorities will need to obtain Magistrates approval for all surveillance done under RIPA. Directed Surveillance will be subject to a new serious crime testFor detailed discussion on the changes please see our bloghttpactnowtraining.wordpress.com201210171stnovemberddayforcouncilsurveillanceNow is the time to revise your RIPA polices and procedures and make your staff aware of the new rules. I have developed a RIPA Policy and Procedures Toolkit to assist you. Why reinvent the wheelThe toolkit includes an updated version of our previous RIPA Forms Guidance document which was bought by over one hundred different organisations. In addition there are detailed guidance notes on deciding when surveillance is caught by RIPA how to authorise it and what to do about surveillance which is not regulated by RIPA. The toolkit is written in straight forward language avoiding legal jargon and... 2012-11-1 07:43:20 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#124605 A number of changes were announced to local authority surveillance powers in the SummerFrom 1st November 20121. Local authorities will only be able to authorise Directed Surveillance under the RIPA where the Serious Crime Test is met subject to exceptions More here httpactnowtraining.wordpress.com20120618toripaornottoripachangestocouncilsurveillancepowers 2. All surveillance undertaken by local authorities will have to be approved by a MagistrateMore here httpactnowtraining.wordpress.com20120831judicialapprovalforcouncilsurveillanceCommunications Data BillThis will have an effect on local authorities powers to acquire communications data currently under Part 1 Chapter 2 of RIPAMore here httpactnowtraining.wordpress.com20120625thecommunicationsdatabillwhatcouncilsneedtoknow Happy to answer questions on any of the above. 2012-9-11 10:12:49 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#109558 At a time when the phone hacking scandal has shone a spotlight on the murky world of police and tabloid surveillance the Government through the Protection of Freedoms Bill is choosing a soft target in local authorities rather than focusing on the real culprits. The Bill is currently proceeding through the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. If passsed in its current form it will require local authorities to have all their surveillance authorisations under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 RIPA Directed Surveillance CHIS and the acquisition of Communications Data approved by a magistrate before they take effect. Most local authorities feel that this is a disproportionate response to inaccurate media stories about their overzealous use of RIPA. When the the Coalition Government published the Bill in February 2011 the Home Secretary announced The first duty of the state is the protection of ... 2012-1-3 10:43:54 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#107827 Access to information about empty properties under the Freedom of Information Act FOI has always been a controversial issue. On the one hand local authorities holding such information claim that if it is released such properties will be the target of squatters criminal damage and drug taking. They claim the information is exempt under section 31 disclosure would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime. On the other hand housing charities httptwurl.nlewm5jp and those representing the homeless argue that it is unjust that there are thousands people living on the streets just next to properties which they could easily and cheaply occupy.There have been a number of decisions over the years by the Information Commissioner and the First Tier Tribunal Information Rights formerly the Information Tribunal on the issue of whether such information is disclosable under FOI. In Mr C P England and London Borough of Bexley v Information Commissioner 10th May 2007 the Information T... 2011-11-30 08:28:57 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#106879 On Monday the Oxford Times reported that Oxford City Council plans to require all new taxis to have CCTV installed. Existing cabbies will have to have the 163460 systems installed by March 2015 and two are currently in operation. All new taxis will need CCTV from April. The Council said the video and audio scheme was vital to provide evidence of attacks on drivers and in cases where there were allegations of driver misconduct. httpwww.oxfordtimes.co.uknews9361537.TaxiCCTVbreaksrightstoprivacyCritics including Big Brother Watch have claimed that this brakes privacy rules. Nick Pickles director of BBW is quoted as saying that passengers would be horrified by the plan. He said It is a disproportionate response to invade the privacy of everybody who uses their taxis.httpwww.bigbrotherwatch.org.ukhome201111bigbrotherwatchinglistening.htmlmore3567I do not think as the law stands the council is acting illegally per se. The Data Protection 1998 does not say CCTV cannot be installed in taxis.... 2011-11-15 11:11:08 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#106141 JUSTICE has today published a significant and wideranging critique of state surveillance powers contained in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act RIPAhttpukhumanrightsblog.com20111104snoopingcouncilsphonehackingcctvtimetoreformsurveillancelawsThis is a very interesting and welcome report. I agree that RIPA needs a root and branch reform. However it repeats a common misconception that RIPA is abused by local authorities. This myth is also the basis of the reforms set out in the Protection of Freedoms Bill which will severely curtail councils power to use RIPA. See my analysis and argument that the Bill is a sledgehammer to crack a nuthttpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage18.htmAlso will the reforms have the desired effect See my post below Changes to RIPA Will they have the desired effect 20th July 2011 2011-11-4 09:15:39 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#105059 Ever received an FOI request from Justin Case Barb Dwyer or Stan Still How about Barry Cade or Carrie Oake Was your thought process as follows Obvious pseudonym or fictitious name read ICO Guidance not a valid FOI request ask to confirm identity or refuse to deal.You may well be following the Information Commissioners Guidance Valid request name and address for correspondence which states ...the use of a false or fictitious name is not acceptable. Therefore where a public authority receives a request from a person using an obvious pseudonym there is no obligation to comply with the requestIt goes onIn most cases it will be reasonable for a real name to comprise a name by which the person making the request is widely known andor is regularly used by that person and which is not an obvious pseudonym or fictitious name.It seems the ICO is now backing authorities who ask for an FOI requester to prove hisher identityhttpwww.whatdotheyknow.comrequestbalfourstre... 2011-10-20 11:07:49 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#104616 After Catgate Foxgate we now have DustbingateGovernment Minister Oliver Letwin has been seen throwing sensitive paperwork into bins according to this mornings Daily Mirror httpwww.mirror.co.uknewspolitics20111014oliverletwincaughtthrowingawaysecretpapersinpublicbins11587523487379The newspaper which ran a picture of Letwin apparently about to drop papers into a bin while talking on a mobile phone said they included correspondence on terrorism and national security as well as constituents private details. It described his actions as a security breach but a spokesman for the minister insisted that the papers did not contain any sensitive material.Oliver Letwin does some of his parliamentary and constituency correspondence in the park before going to work and sometimes disposes of copies of letters there the spokesman said.They are not documents of a sensitive nature he added.Not of a sensitive nature The documents may not bring down the government or expose the UK to a... 2011-10-14 08:04:45 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#104460 Are you sitting the forthcoming ISEB exams in data protection or freedom of information.Here are our top tipsBefore the Exam 183 Read the syllabus 183 Read through your notes 183 Go through the exercises and case studies 183 Plan your revision effectively dont cram it into a few days before the exam 183 Decide which sections you need to revise the most and allocate more time to them Dont forget to spend some time going over the stuff you know as well 183 Make a revision timetable from Day 5 leading up to the exam a total of .days and stick to it 183 Write it downTest yourself 183 Do more questions in exam conditions see your delegate pack 183 Learn all the key factsflowchartsALSO watch our ISEB Revision videos httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent79 During the Exam 183 Read the full exam front cover to back cover before starti... 2011-10-12 08:16:21 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#102936 EXTRACT OF REVIEW WHICH WILL APPEAR IN THE OCTOBER EDITION OF THE ACT NOW INFORMATION LAW NEWSLETTER httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent80 Information Law Reports Justis Publishing httpwww.justis.comdatacoverageinformationlawreports.aspx Every month there are approximately forty decisions of the Information Commissioner and ten decisions of the First Tier Tribunal Information Rights formerly the Information Tribunal under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 FOI. Information Law is not just about FOI though. Other areas of law often intertwine with it including data protection the Environmental Information Regulations surveillance law and other statutory rights of access to information. It is often a struggle to keep up to date with new cases and latest developments. 11KBW barristers in conjunction with Justis Publishing have just launched the UKs only Information Law Reports service. This provides the first and only sy... 2011-9-21 08:48:52 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#98781 As I explained in my recent article the Protection of Freedoms Bill httpwww.lawgazette.co.ukinpracticelocalauthoritysurveillance currently going through Parliament aims to amend the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 RIPA so that local authorities will soon only be able to authorise Directed Surveillance where they are tackling serious crime i.e. an offence which carries a term of imprisonment of six months or more.The Government says this will stop local authorities doing directed surveillance for tackling minor offences such as dog fouling and littering.But will itThe Government has forgotten to do any thing about section 80 of RIPA which says that RIPA is permissive legislation. This point was explained more fully by the Investogatory Powers Tribunal in the case of C v The Police Case No IPT0332H 14th November 2006 httpwww.iptuk.comdefault.aspsectionID17 Although RIPA provides a framework for obtaining internal authorisations of directed surveillance and other forms of su... 2011-7-20 09:58:18 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#89883 Normal.dotm 0 0 1 901 5141 Hasan Associates Limited 42 10 6313 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msoparamargin0cm msoparamarginbottom.0001pt msopaginationwidoworphan fontsize12.0pt fontfamilyTimes New Roman msoasciifontfamilyCambria msoasciithemefontminorlatin msofareastfontfamilyTimes New Roman msofareastthemefontminorfareast msohansifontfamilyCambria msohansithemefontminorlatin msobidifontfamilyTimes New Roman msobidithemefontminorbidi msoansilanguageENUS The Government also announced in January that FOI would be amended to ensure public authorities proactively release data in a wa... 2011-3-22 15:11:15 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#87716 Normal.dotm 0 0 1 375 2141 Hasan Associates Limited 17 4 2629 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msoparamargin0cm msoparamarginbottom.0001pt msopaginationwidoworphan fontsize12.0pt fontfamilyTimes New Roman msoasciifontfamilyCambria msoasciithemefontminorlatin msofareastfontfamilyTimes New Roman msofareastthemefontminorfareast msohansifontfamilyCambria msohansithemefontminorlatin msobidifontfamilyTimes New Roman msobidithemefontminorbidi msoansilanguageENUS On 26th January 2011 the Home Office published its long awaited review of counterterrorism and security powers. The recommende... 2011-2-24 18:42:33 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#87714 Normal.dotm 0 0 1 14 85 Hasan Associates Limited 1 1 104 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msoparamargin0cm msoparamarginbottom.0001pt msopaginationwidoworphan fontsize12.0pt fontfamilyTimes New Roman msoasciifontfamilyCambria msoasciithemefontminorlatin msofareastfontfamilyTimes New Roman msofareastthemefontminorfareast msohansifontfamilyCambria msohansithemefontminorlatin msobidifontfamilyTimes New Roman msobidithemefontminorbidi msoansilanguageENUS Normal.dotm 0 0 1 450 2569 Hasan Associates Limited 21 5 3154 12.0 0... 2011-2-24 18:26:19 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#85488 Today 26th Jan 2011 the Home Office published its long awaited review of counterterrorism and security powers. The main documents can be found on the Home Office websitehttptwurl.nlz132oaAmongst all the headlines and controversy about control orders it is easy to miss the proposed changes to local authorities powers to carry out surveillance under RIPA. The key changes recommended by the review arei. Magistrates approval should be required for local authority use of Directed Surveillance the deployment of a CHIS and the acquisition of communications data. This should be in addition to the authorisation needed now from a local authority senior manager at least Director level and the more general oversight by elected councilors.ii. Serious Offence Test Use of RIPA to authorise Directed Surveillance only should be confined to cases where the offence under investigation carries a custodial sentence of 6 months or more. But because of the importance of Directed Surveillance in c... 2011-1-26 14:34:02 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#85422 Sky has now sacked Andy Gray for his comments about a female referee which were made off air when he and his colleague thought that the mic was off. Here is the link to the full story from the BBChttpnews.bbc.co.uksport1hifootball9373280.stmI am just thinking aloud about the privacydata protection angle here. Having first warned Gray today Sky sacked him it seems due to another incident being uncovered. See quote below from the BBC storyHowever new footage emerged on Monday of Gray talking offair with Sky Sports pitchside reporter Andy Burton about Massey.Sky News reported that the pair discussed Masseys appearance with Burton referring to Massey as a bit of a looker while Gray asks What do women know about the offside ruleI have many questions in my head Who unearthed this new evidence If it was Sky the employer do they have a right to broadcast it and make it available to the rest of the media. What about privacy and the DPA Does an employee not have a right to privacy in respect of... 2011-1-25 17:28:04 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#84109 It seems that the changes to RIPA for councils will be announced in the Freedom Bill to be published next month according to Nick Cleggs speech todayhttpwww.newstatesman.com201101governmentbritishinformationNote what he says in the middle of the speechBy next month we will be putting forward a freedom bill legislation that will bring together a number of measures for example to better regulate CCTV to properly control the way councils use surveillance powers to limit the powers of state inspectors to enter into your house and to end the indefinite storage of innocent peoples DNATo me this means that there will no longer be a power to self authorise surveillance. See my article on the RIPA Review and what to expecthttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent47I hope this allows you to plan ahead in terms of training and awareness. Let me know if I can help.Dont forget my RIPA forms Guidance document is still available to buyhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent26 2011-1-7 14:23:07 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#83087 On Thursday 23rd December at 11am I am doing a webcast on Freedom of Information. I will be covering The Transparency Review The Court of Appeal decision on Section 15 Audit Commission Act 1998 The ICO Monitoring List Academy Schools and FOI When Is Information Held Fees and Searching Obligations The latest Tribunal decisions on Section 402 disclosure of personal data Section 43 and disclosure of contractsAttendance is free. More details and registration on our website httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50RegardsIbrahim HasanDirectorAct Now Training Limitedwww.actnow.org.ukwww.informationlaw.org.uk httptwitter.comActNowTraining 2010-12-20 10:10:25 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#81859 ColleaguesIf you are working from home or experiencing a quiet day at work now is the perfect time to get some training done for free.You can view one of the many webcasts available for free on our website. Topics include The New Data Sharing ConsultationMulti Agency Information SharingData Protection UpdateFreedom of Information UpdateThe new RIPA CodesThe Poole Council RIPA decision Please see our webcast page for morehttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50Feel free to pass this e mail onto other colleagues who may be working from home or interested in these topics.RegardsIbrahim HasanAct Now Trainingwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-12-2 09:16:15 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#81537 ColleaguesFollowing the Information Commissioners fine of 163100000 upon Hertfordshire County County Council now is the perfect time to raise awareness of the dangers of using the fax machine to send sensitive personal data.You will know that the the breaches at Hertfordshire occurred when employees in the childcare litigation unit accidentally sent two faxes to the wrong recipients on two separate occasions. The first misdirected fax was meant for a barristers chambers but was sent instead to a member of the public.The second misdirected fax sent 13 days later contained information relating to the care proceedings of three children the previous convictions of two individuals domestic violence records and care professionals opinions on the cases.The fax was intended for Watford County Court but was mistakenly sent to a barristers chambers unconnected with the case.To help you raise awareness of the need for special care when using the fax machine Act Now Training has designed an A3 co... 2010-11-29 10:13:23 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#81177 The High Court has ruled that vetting and barring legislation for people working with children and vulnerable adults breaches human rights law.Under the legislation the Independent Safeguarding Authority ISA keeps lists of people who are barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. Once barred the restrictions on work last from a minimum of one to a maximum of ten years.But last week the High Court ruled that automatically banning those convicted of or admitting to crimes with children and vulnerable adults without allowing them to make representations breached their rights to a fair trial.The case involved four nurses two of whom had received police cautions for leaving their children at home alone. READ MORE BELOWhttptwurl.nlqgg82x 2010-11-25 08:41:43 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#81100 The Information Commissioner has today issued his first fines under new powers that came into force in April. Hertfordshire County Council which faxed details of a child sex abuse case to a member of the public is to be fined 163100000 for breaching the Data Protection Act. Sheffieldbased A4e was fined 16360000 for losing an unencrypted laptop with the details of thousands of people. The Commissioner said the fines the first he has issued would send a strong message to those handling data. httpwww.bbc.co.uknewsuk11821203 Now is the time to assess your data protection practices and procedures. All departments must do this. Note that the Hertfordshire breaches emanated from the legal department Act Now can help with data protection and information security training advice helplines and compliance audits. Please see our website for details. Full Details www.actnow.org.uk or ring us on 01924 451054. Follow us on Twitter httptwitter.comActNo... 2010-11-24 09:29:23 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#81001 In October the Information Commissioners Office launched a consultation on a new statutory code of practice on the sharing of personal data. The draft code sets out a model of good practice for public private and third sector organisations and covers routine data sharing as well as one off instances where a decision is made to release data to a third party. In my next webcast on Monday 29th November 11am I will examine this code in detail and the key issues to be considered when responding to the consultation.The webcast is free. If you are interested please follow the link belowhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50 2010-11-23 10:28:20 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#80343 ColleaguesIbrahim Hasans Data Protection update article has just been published in the Local Government Lawyer magazine httpbit.lycHuuBq In it he considers amongst other things the data sharing code covert surveillance and changes to the Vetting and Barring Scheme.You can also download the article from our websitehttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent46 2010-11-15 09:25:01 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#79481 Colleagues The Office of the Surveillance Commissioner has revised its popular procedures and guidance document. This contains the OSCs views on various issues and common questions which arise when public authorities carry out Directed Surveillance Intrusive Surveillance and deploy a CHIS. If the previous version is anything to go by then it will be an invaluable tool for RIPA users and authorisers. The OSC have sent it to each RIPA authoritys Senior Responsible Officer. If you have not seen it yet ask your SRO. I am doing a RIPA Update workshop in London and Manchester in November when I will be looking at all the latest news in this area including the RIPA Review and the IPT Poole Council decision. Full details are on our website httpwww.actnow.org.ukcoursesSurveillanceLaw Regards Ibrahim Hasan Act Now Training www.actnow.org.uk 2010-11-4 14:51:27 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#79302 ColleaguesHave you recently undergone an Office of the Surveillance Commissioner OSC RIPA inspectionIf so you will know that the OSC places a lot of emphasis on correct form filling. Many local authority investigating and authorising officers have been criticised for not including enough detail in RIPA forms and not fully explaining their considerations about necessity proportionality and collateral intrusion. The recent IPT decision involving Poole Council also emphasised this lack of knowledge. I have developed a detailed guidance document specifically tailored to the needs of local authorities. It consists of each form reproduced with detailed notes on how to complete each section. Over one hundred different organisations have so far taken advantage of this unique resource. At a time of increasing pressure on local authority budgets the RIPA Forms Guidance Document will save you time and money. STOP PRESS Version 3 of the Guidance has been fu... 2010-11-2 09:57:53 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#79219 I have just done a new article on the latest developments in the world of data protection. You can read it on our website httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent46 You can still watch my webcast on this topic httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50 2010-11-1 14:49:57 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#78689 Can a local authority refuse to deal with FOI requests made through the What Do They Know website In this article I look at this issue and other recent developments in freedom of informationhttptwurl.nlnobbfdAdv We still have two places left on our ISEB FOI Certificate course starting in Manchester on 18th November 2010httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent31RegardsIbrahim HasanAct Now Trainingwww.actnow.org.ukFollow us on TwitterRead the Information Law Daily 2010-10-25 08:58:25 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#78376 ColleaguesOn a day with much bad news here is a bit of good news We have just launched The Information Law Daily. This is our Twitter newspaper containing the latest stories and developments via Twitter from the world of privacy data protection freedom of information and surveillance.httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent80The newspaper is updated daily and is completely free so there is no impact on your budgetGeorge Osborne will be proudHappy reading.Ibrahim HasanAct Now Trainingwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-10-20 15:09:36 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#78018 The salaries of thousands of civil servants working in government departments have been revealed for the first time. Individuals earning more than 16382900 have been named.Until now only senior civil servants earning more than 163150000 had their salaries published. The government which has published the data on its website has also unveiled detailed organograms showing how departments are structured.httpwww.bbc.co.uknewsukpolitics11551683See also the following articles on our website httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent45The Governments Information Law ProposalsAccess to Staff DataIbrahim HasanAct Now Trainingwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-10-16 08:52:14 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#77912 My article on the Poole Council decision under RIPA has been published in todays Law Society Gazettehttpwww.lawgazette.co.ukinpracticelocalauthoritiesandsurveillanceWe will also be examining this decision in detail in our forthcoming RIPA Update workshops in London Edinburgh Manchester and Bristolhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcoursesSurveillanceLaw 2010-10-14 13:31:13 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#77773 The government has pledged greater transparency across the public sector through publishing data to strengthen accountability to citizens. Government has committed to publishing certain information on salaries spending and contracts by January 2011.The Local Government Group in collaboration with the Local Public Data Panel is publishing a set of guides to offer practical help to meet both immediate targets of publishing data and to adopt approaches that will add most value for local people and public services over the longer term.There are two documents available to download 1. Publishing senior salary information2. Publishing local spending dataThis is a rapidly evolving and innovative agenda so the guides are not static mandatory requirements but rather they are live documents that are open for you to comment on and offer the benefits of your experience.httplgtransparency.readandcomment.comIbrahim Hasanwww.actnow.org.ukADV I am doing a workshop on FOI contracts and commercial confi... 2010-10-13 08:04:12 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#77692 Would you Adam and Eve itBelfast City Council has apologised after a sensitive document was used as a sign in a public toilet at one of its cemeteries.A healthcare worker who did not wish to be identified handed over the document to the Belfast Telegraph after finding it taped to a wall in a loo at Roselawn Cemetery where City of Belfast Crematorium is situated.The file was a cremation order for Mr James Renwick whose funeral service took place in June 2009. Mr Renwicks wife Hannah said she was appalled at the blunder.httpwww.belfasttelegraph.co.uknewslocalnationalnorthernirelandwidowrsquosangeratcremationdeathfileontoiletwall14973467.htmlIbrahim Hasanwww.actnow.org.ukAdv Information Security Update course 23rd November Londonhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcourses435 2010-10-12 09:04:00 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#77353 Dear Colleagues As the end of the solicitors CPD year is in sight 31st October 2010 we though we should remind you of the FREE WAYS you can obtain CPD credits with Act Now Training FOI PODCAST This is the only FOI podcast of its kind in the UK and has been mentioned in the Times newspaper and numerous other blogs. In each episode Ibrahim Hasan discusses the latest FOI decisions from the Information Commissioner and the Tribunal. The latest episode covers the four months ending August 2010. You can listen and download previous podcast scripts httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent21 INFORMATIONSURVEILLANCE LAW WEBCAST We run regular free and interactive webcasts on the latest developments in information and surveillance law. On our website you can find webcasts on the new RIPA Codes the Poole decision information sharing FOI and much morehttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50 You can claim half a CPD point by watching or listening to each webcastpodcast. If... 2010-10-8 09:16:20 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#77002 A website which pays the public to monitor live commercial CCTV footage online is due to be launched in Devon.Internet Eyes will pay up to 1631000 to subscribers who regularly report suspicious activity such as shoplifting.httpwww.bbc.co.uknewsuk11460897Ibrahim Hasan Act Now Training www.actnow.org.uk 2010-10-4 08:56:45 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#76808 Episode 23 of the UKs only Freedom of Information podcast has just been publishedhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent21This covers FOI decisions of the Information Commissioner and the First Tier Tribunal Information Rights in the four months from May to August 2010 including decisions on Vexatious requests Costs of compliance Information in Publication Schemes Requests made through What Do They Know .com Draft reports and the section 22 exemption Disclosure of Surveillance Commissioner reports The section 36 exemption The latest thinking on the personal data exemption AND disclosure of PFI Financial modelsWe still have some places on our ISEB Certificate in Freedom of Information Course starting In Manchester on 18th Novemberhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent31 2010-10-1 11:16:29 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#76798 A secret police operation to place thousands of Muslims living in Birmingham under permanent surveillance was implemented with virtually no consultation oversight or regard for the law a report found today.Project Champion was abandoned in June after an investigation by the Guardian revealed police had misled residents into believing that hundreds of counterterrorism cameras installed in streets around Sparkbrook and Washwood Heath were to be used to combat vehicle crime and antisocial behaviour.In fact the 1633m project was being run from the West Midlands police counterterrorism unit with the consent of security officials at the Home Office and MI5.httpwww.guardian.co.ukuk2010sep30policesurveillancemuslimsnoregardlawSome of the criticisms was that not enough thought had been given to RIPA and the need for authorisations under Part 2. 2010-10-1 08:53:51 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#76725 Just a quick reminder about our forthcoming course in Manchester starting 18th November leading to the ISEB Certificate in Freedom of Information. This is an internationally recognised qualification and is very popular amongst information professionals in the public sector. It is often a preferred qualification for those advertising information governance vacancies. Our pass rate stands at 92. This compares very well with other providers of 64 July 2009July 2010. One of our candidates achieved the only distinction in the last exam July 2010.Please see our website for more details and testimonials httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent31 I am the course director and tutor. If you would like to discuss any aspects of the course please contact me directly on 01924 451054. Ibrahim Hasan Act Now Trainingwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-9-30 09:24:38 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#76473 Two recent cases in the EUs highest court the European Court of Justice ECJ Bavarian Lager C2808 P and Technische Glaswerke Ilmenau C13907 P have sparked controversy and debate concerning transparency and access to documents.Ciaran Ward Information Officer for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has done an article for us which you can read on our websitehttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent46This and other latest DP cases will be covered in our forthcoming DP Update workshopshttpwww.actnow.org.ukcoursesDataProtection 2010-9-27 09:24:17 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#76083 The British Medical Association in Scotland has today called for tougher safeguards to protect the confidentiality of electronic patient records. It comes as members of the Scottish Parliament prepare to debate a report of the Health Committee on Clinical Portal Technology and Telehealth.The BMA says that patient information accessible through clinical portals may be available outside the NHS possibly to those viewing child protection systems.httpblogs.computerworlduk.comthetonycollinsblog201009whenpasswordsharingputspatientdataatriskindex.htm 2010-9-22 12:36:25 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#75881 httpwww.bbc.co.uknewsuk113199189000 in public sector get more pay than prime minister David Cameron. The prime minister currently earns 163142500.New research conducted for BBC Panorama found that there were more than 38000 public employees earning above 163100000 and 1000 people on more than 163200000.Please see Lawrences article in our latest newsletter on comparing public sector pay with that of the Prime Ministerhttpwww.actnow.org.ukmedianewslettersJuly2010.pdf 2010-9-20 08:13:44 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#75850 Dear ColleaguesJust a quick e mail to let you know that we have just received the results of the ISEB Freedom of Information exam which our delegates sat in July 2010.We had a total of 16 candidates sit the exam in London and Edinburgh. We are pleased to report that all bar one passed the exam and have received the ISEB Certificate in Freedom of Information. This is an internationally recognised qualification.We are particularly pleased with these results because for the first time One of our candidates achieved a distinction we ran a course in Edinburgh in which all candidates passed the exam92 of our candidates have now passed the FOI exam. This compares very well with other providershttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent51Our next FOI course starts on November 18th in Manchester. We still have a few places left so please feel free to get in touchhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent31Ibrahim HasanAct Now Training 2010-9-19 19:00:35 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#75689 Just in case you missed yesterdays webcast on the latest decisions on the Freedom of Information Act you can watch the recording for free at httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50 Lawyers can claim half a CPD point. I will be doing a full day workshop on this topic on 6th October in Manchester and 13th October in London. Full details httpwww.actnow.org.ukcoursesFreedomofInformation 2010-9-17 07:49:53 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#75624 Christian Lord was living with his girlfriend in Harraby Carlisle when he became aware of a CCTV camera installed in the empty house opposite trained on his bedroom. Fed up of the surveillance which was also exacerbating his girlfriends mental health problems Mr Lord broke into the empty house and threw the camera in a nearby river. Yesterday the 35yearold pleaded guilty at Carlisle Crown Court to a charge of burglary and the theft of the 1631500worth of surveillance equipment. Judge Peter Hughes QC who said he was puzzled by who installed the camera. Under what authority was it done he asked. There are human rights considerations here. Judge Hughes told Lord that if the device had been installed by the police as part of a criminal investigation the offence would have been much more serious. But that is not the situation I have to deal with he said. It is unclear why and on what basis this camera was installed. But plainly you and your partner were awar... 2010-9-16 12:47:19 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#75393 York Presshalf of Yorks secondary schools have been filming pupils on CCTV without telling parents.httpwww.bigbrotherwatch.org.ukhome201009cctvinyorkschoolsandnewresearchwhichsaysitsatotalwasteoftime.html 2010-9-13 21:09:42 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#75344 ColleaguesMy next FOI Update Webcast will be this Thursday 16th September 2010 at 11am.I will be discussing the latest FOI decisions from the Commissioner and the Tribunal. There is still time to register at httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50Lawyers can claim half a CPD point and its free. RegardsIbrahim Hasanwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-9-13 11:32:48 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#75329 ColleaguesJust a quick reminder about our forthcoming workshop onEmail and Internet Monitoring How to Do it Lawfully5th October ManchesterFull Details httpwww.actnow.org.ukcourses347Monitoring and recording of employees email internet and telephone usage with or without consent is a legal minefield. This workshop provides a thorough examination of the law and practice in this area. We will look in detail at Part 1 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 RIPA as well as the Lawful Business Practice Regulations the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Data Protection Act 1998 and related codes of practice. This is an interactive workshop full of exercises and case studies. As well as the latest caselaw we will discuss the possibility of using written policies and procedures to guard against the legal problems and what to include in them. This workshop is a must for all employment lawyers auditors and personnel advisers whether in the public ... 2010-9-13 09:21:20 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#75034 httptwurl.nli0o0m8The government is considering carefully whether to extend the Freedom of Information Act to additional bodies a minister has confirmed.Speaking on the BBCs You and Yours Lord McNally said The government is committed to increasing transparency including extending the scope of the Freedom of Information Act.We are carefully considering the different ways of achieving this aim including looking at the extension of the Act to additional bodies. Any extension of the FOI Act will need to take into account of the burdens that this would place on the bodies to be covered.We still have places left on our ISEB FOI course which starts in November in Manchesterhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent31Ibrahim HasanAct Nowwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-9-8 17:34:29 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#74502 Dear ColleaguesPlease find below details of our courses in early October 2010. All are in city centre hotels. The cost is 163265 plus vat which includes course materials refreshments and lunch.You can book online or by phone on 01924 451054.Email and Internet Monitoring 5th October ManchesterMonitoring and recording of employees email internet and telephone usage with or without consent is a legal minefield. This workshop provides a thorough examination of the law and practice in this area. We will look in detail at Part 1 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 RIPA as well as the Lawful Business Practice Regulations the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Data Protection Act 1998 and related codes of practice.Details httpwww.actnow.org.ukcourses347Handling Requests for Personal Data 5th October LondonRequests for access to personal data held by public sector organisations are on the increase. Whether they are Data Protection Subject Access Requests or requests for access to ... 2010-9-2 15:34:22 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#74500 CCTV does not always get it rightStephen McAleer was walking home with his fiancee when his local police force saw him on CCTV carrying a knife. Stephen had previous convictions for assault prompting the cops to swoop down and throw him in prison for three months.Actually it was a rose he was carryinghttpwww.bigbrotherwatch.org.ukhome201008mancarryingrosecaughtoncctvcarryingaknife.htmlStephen McAleer lost three months to prison for some people the simple trauma of being thrown in jail would have a profound effect on their lives. 2010-9-2 15:28:41 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#73140 httpwww.independent.co.uklifestylegadgetsandtechnewsgooglechiefmyfearsforgenerationfacebook2055390.htmlEric Schmidt the chief executive of Google has issued a stark warning over the amount of personal data people leave on the internet and suggested that many of them will be forced one day to change their names in order to escape their cyber past.In a startling admission from a man whose company has made billions by perfecting the art of hoarding storing and retrieving information on us Mr Schmidt suggested that the enormous quantity of detail we leave online may not be such a good thing after all. 2010-8-18 12:18:51 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#72746 httpfinance.yahoo.comnewsWebPhotosThatRevealnytimes2375510549.htmlx0amp.v1Security experts and privacy advocates have recently begun warning about the potential dangers of geotags which are embedded in photos and videos taken with GPSequipped smartphones and digital cameras. Because the location data is not visible to the casual viewer the concern is that many people may not realize it is there and they could be compromising their privacy if not their safety when they post geotagged media online. 2010-8-13 09:49:40 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#72553 Interesting case which cuts across data protection freedom of information and the law of confidentiality.httpwww.bbc.co.uknewsukscotlandsouthscotland10924910The US senate committee examining the release of the convicted Lockerbie bomber is calling for his medical records to be released. It comes after Scottish Labour demanded the publication of the evidence which led to Abdelbaset Ali alMegrahi being given less than three months to live.Megrahi was released on compassionate grounds in August last year.The Scottish government confirmed it had received the letter and would reply in due course.Ministers have already published a report which led to the decision to release the Libyan. The report published by the Scottish Prison Services medical chief Dr Andrew Fraser suggested last August that Megrahi who has terminal prostate cancer had three months to live. Labour said the medical advice which led Dr Fraser to his conclusion should be published along with the names of the doctors who p... 2010-8-11 10:10:01 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#72492 Just in case you missed todays RIPA webcast on the Poole Council decision you can now watch the recording httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50The next one will be a Freedom of Information Update in September. You can register now on our website.Our next RIPA Update course is in Belfast London and Manchester in the Autumnhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcoursesSurveillanceLawYou may also wish to consider purchasing our RIPA Forms guidance which is proving very popular with local authoritieshttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent26Finally please feel free to get in touch if we can assist with any of your in house RIPA training needs.Ibrahim Hasan 2010-8-10 14:08:45 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#72238 A disproportionately high concentration of CCTV cameras located in mainly Muslim areas of Birmingham continues to trigger concern from residents. The system will not be dismantled and despite earlier assurances could yet be used for counterterrorism purposes West Midlands Police have told the BBChttpwww.bbc.co.uknewsuk10888985 2010-8-6 14:13:55 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#72225 httpwww.bbc.co.uknewseducation10887082A 163235m government database containing the records of Englands 11 million children is being switched off. ContactPoint was established in the wake of the Victoria Climbie child abuse case to aid child protection.The system which has been running since January last year was always controversial and was set to cost a further 16341m a year. Many said it was useful in tracking children and discovering the truth about the way they are cared for.In July Childrens Minister Tim Loughton confirmed that the government was scrapping the scheme.The Government is looking at establishing a new national service which would focus on helping practitioners find out whether another practitioner is working or has worked in another authority area with a child.Decommissioning of the information contained on the database will begin at noon on Friday. 2010-8-6 12:13:06 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#72202 The latest reports by the various Commissioners in charge of inspecting public bodies under different parts of RIPA have been published httpwww.lacors.gov.uklacorsContentDetails.aspxid24169 I may comment on these in next weeks RIPA update webcast httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50 Regards Ibrahim Hasan www.actnow.org.uk Follow me on Twitter ActNowTraining 2010-8-5 23:08:54 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#72139 My article on the new RIPA Review has just been published in the Local Government Lawyer httptwurl.nl2ocqbu Ibrahim Hasan Follow me on Twitter ActNowTraining 2010-8-4 21:32:36 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#72127 Poole Council was recently found to have violated the human rights of a mother and her family when doing covert surveillance under Part 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act RIPA. Ibrahim Hasan is doing a free webcast next week where he will examine the decision in detail and the new RIPA review announce by the Coalition Government which will report in the Autumn.To register httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50 2010-8-4 17:35:43 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#71999 You can now get the latest news and views on information and surveillance law direct to you computer mobile or smartphone by subscribing to our Twitter feedhttptwitter.comActNowTrainingThe recent tweets have all been about the IPT decision on Poole Councils use of RIPA.Please feel free to pass this e mail on. 2010-8-3 10:26:30 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#71941 ColleaguesThe decision about Poole Councils use of surveillance powers has just been given by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. httpwww.guardian.co.ukeducation2010aug02schoolcatchmentspying It will have big implications for councils use of surveillance powers and ties in nicely with the recent announcement by the Government to review the use of RIPA by councils. You can read my article about the review on our website httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent47 I will be examining this case in detail as well as looking at any changes announced as a result of the RIPA review in the Autumn in my forthcoming RIPA Update workshops httpwww.actnow.org.ukcoursesRIPASurveillanceLaw Regards Ibrahim Hasan Director Act Now Training Limited www.actnow.org.uk 2010-8-2 15:21:49 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#71581 httpwww.lawgazette.co.ukMy article on the Governments Information Law proposals has just been published in the Law Society Gazette. You can download a word version from our websitehttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent45You can also view my webcast on this topichttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50 2010-7-29 08:56:52 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#71017 There were some technical difficulties today which meant that some of you had problems listening or asking questions in our web seminar on the Governments Information Law proposals. We are sorry about this and are working with the providers to tackle these issues.You can still watch the recording as well as previous web seminars athttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50If you would like a copy of the slides please e mail infoactnow.org.uk Solicitors and Legal Executives can claim half a CPD point.If I did not answer your question please feel free to post it to the Ask Ibrahim sectionhttpwww.informationlaw.org.ukuserimagesforum.htmMy next web seminar will be on 16th September 2010 at 11am on the subject of the latest Freedom of Information cases. 2010-7-22 11:55:29 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#70507 Documents released in the High Court this week reveal for the first time some of the behindthescenes debates in Whitehall over whether the UK should work with the US on Guantanamo Bay and how the decision was taken to allow British citizens to be taken to the camp.Somewhere in London there is a secure room where some 80 lawyers and officials are reading through 500000 documents and deciding which will see the light of day.httpwww.bbc.co.uknewsuk10641330To me this story shows that the search for openness and transparency is not the exclusive domain of the Freedom of Information Act. Judges have a role to play too 2010-7-16 08:23:20 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#70336 httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hipolitics10619419.stmJust when councils are trying to meet the challenge of implementing the changes to Part 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 RIPA in force on 6th April 2010 it seems that the Act is due for another overhaul. Home Secretary Theresa May today Tuesday 13th July 2010 announced a review focusing on which security powers could be scaled back in order to restore the balance of civil liberties . httpwww.homeoffice.gov.ukmediacentrepressreleasescounterpowersThe review will cover six key areas encompassing what the Home Secretary said were the most controversial and sensitive powers available to government to deal with terrorist threats. These areuse of control ordersstop and search powers in section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and use of terrorism legislation in relation to photographydetention of terrorist suspects before chargeextending the use of deportations with assurances to remove foreign nationals from the UK who pose a threat to... 2010-7-13 22:31:05 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#70167 Colleagues We have just published the latest issue of the Act Now Information Law newsletterhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent55In it you will find news of the latest developments and cases in the world of data protection freedom of information and surveillance law RIPA. Top Stories in this issue cover The Coalition Governments Plans for More transparencyLatest ICO and Tribunal DecisionsDisclosure of StatisticsICO Enforcement ActionLatest News on Information Security including a free training packageChanges to RIPACCTV controversy in Birmingham ...and much moreRegardsIbrahim HasanAct Now Training www.actnow.org.uk 2010-7-12 10:14:05 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#70161 Organisations that flout privacy online risk a double whammy of enforcement action by the Information Commissioners Office and the loss of trust from customers. In a major speech on privacy protection today Christopher Graham the Information Commissioner appealed to businesses charities and public bodies to be straight with consumers so that people know why their personal information is being collected how it will be used and who else may end up seeing it.Launching the Personal information online code of practice the first guidance document of its kind Christopher Graham said The benefits of the internet age are clear the chance to make more contacts quicker transactions and greater convenience. But there are risks too. A record of our online activity can reveal our most personal interests. Get privacy right and you will retain the trust and confidence of your customers and users mislead consumers or collect information you dont need and you are likely to diminish customer trust and ... 2010-7-12 09:03:21 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#69566 An example of people power Is the power shifting from the Nothing to Hide Nothing to Fear Brigadehttpnews.bbc.co.uk1hienglandbirmingham10505574.stmHidden cameras in areas of Birmingham with large Muslim populations will be removed and any counter terrorism involvement stopped police say.A total of 218 cameras 72 hidden were put up in the Washwood Heath and Sparkbrook districts and paid for from a Home Office counterterrorism fund.Residents said they were not consulted about it. 2010-7-5 10:46:56 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#69561 The Coalition Agreements promises further regulation of CCTV. There has been little detail up to nowhttpnews.bbc.co.uk1hiuk10504653.stmPolice cameras that record motorists movements must be more tightly regulated Home Secretary Theresa May has ordered.The 4000strong automatic number plate recognition ANPR network logs more than 10 million vehicles every day.The government is to look at limiting access to the database of 7.6 billion images details of number plates and the date time and place of capture. 2010-7-5 09:49:56 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#69448 Just a reminder that we are running our ISEB Data Protection course in Manchester starting in September httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent29 Over the last few exams our pass rate and success rate has shot up and we are now one of the most successful providers. Please click on the link below to see the latest figures httpwww.actnow.org.ukthemescustom2010ISEBPassRate0910.pdf We are pleased to offer a 10 discount to anyone who books two or more places for the same organisation. If you have any questions please ring us on 01924 451054 2010-7-3 10:26:54 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#69370 httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hipolitics10482482.stmThe sixfigure salaries of more than 150 bosses of taxpayersupported quangos have been published.The highest sum listed was the 163394999 paid to Olympic Delivery Authority chief executive David Higgins.He was one of eight senior figures at the body earning in excess of 163200000 a year.Please see the article on our website about disclosure of civil servants salaries.httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent45 2010-7-2 10:29:36 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#69329 Credit agencies have been called in by ministers hunting for massive savings in government spending to help slash Britains 1633bn benefit fraud bill.A nationwide clampdown on bogus housing benefit claims will be launched this year using techniques borrowed from the private sector for assessing creditworthiness. A similar drive against fraudulent claims for incapacity benefit is expected to follow. The companies will compare information about private household spending such as utility bills mobile phone payment details and satellite television subscriptions against benefit records to identify potential fraudsters.httpwww.independent.co.uknewsukpoliticscreditagencieslineduptopinpointbenefitcheats2015258.htmlWhat concerns me here is the double speak. On the one hand the coalition government promises to restrict councils power to do surveillance RIPA and on the other it is planning to bring in the private sector to do more surveillanceinformation sharing.Those interested in this area may... 2010-7-1 18:23:34 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#69291 The BBC Trust has called for the publication of star salaries marking a policy shift for the corporations governing body.Chairman Sir Michael Lyons said the BBC had to show that it was not aloof and separate from the economic problems the entire country faced.He said the details of star pay would be revealed in bands but individual salaries would not be disclosed.httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hientertainmentandarts10468055.stmLawrence Serewicz has kindly done an article for Act Now on disclosure of salary information which can be read on our websitehttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent46 2010-7-1 09:49:25 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#68712 ColleaguesJust in case you missed yesterdays free Information Sharing web seminar you can watch the recording as well as previous web seminars athttpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage24.htmSolicitors and Legal Executives can claim half a CPD point.My next web seminar will be on 22nd July at 11am on the subject of the Governments Proposals on Information and Surveillance Law.RegardsIbrahim Hasan 2010-6-24 09:30:57 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#68670 Colleagues There was in the past a regional group called the Yorkshire and the Humber Data Protection Forum. In recent years it hasnt been as effective but we are hoping to revive the group and extend its remit into all areas of current Information Law. The inaugural meeting will be in Bradford on 12th July 2010 starting at 130 pm. This is a free event. Refreshments served from 100 pm. Bring your own questions to discuss on the day. For more details about the event and venue please click on the link below. httpwww.actnow.org.ukyhigYHIGMeeting120710.pdf To attend please email infoactnow.org.uk with YampH meeting in the subject lineRegardsIbrahim HasanAct Now Training 2010-6-23 14:45:47 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#68405 If you think these have gone forever think again...httpnews.bbc.co.uk1himagazine8748441.stm 2010-6-20 10:31:07 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#68249 The Summary Care Record SCR and HealthSpace technologies introduced in the NHS as part of the National Programme for IT NPfIT have so far demonstrated only modest benefits according to the final report of a threeyear independent evaluation carried out by UCL researchers.The reports publication coincides with the publication of a research paper based on the findings in the British Medical Journalhttpwww.ucl.ac.uknewsnewsarticles100610061703I will be looking at the subject of information sharing during next weeks free live web seminarhttpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage24.htm 2010-6-18 09:30:05 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#68015 The vetting scheme for nine million people working with children and vulnerable adults in England Wales and Northern Ireland has been halted.Home Secretary Theresa May has announced that registration due to begin next month has been put on hold.httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hieducation10314055.stm 2010-6-15 15:04:57 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#67875 ColleaguesI am doing a free web seminar on Multi Agency Information Sharing next weekWednesday 23rd June 2010 at 11amI will be examining the different laws which come into play when sharing personal information. I will also discuss the latest High Court decision which sheds light on this difficult issue. There will be an opportunity to watch the live broadcast with slides and ask questions in real time.Many of you have already registered. If this is your first time watching a web seminar may I ask that you go on to our website and try out a recording of a previous webcast. This will ensure that you can iron out any problems before this event.For those of you who have not registered there is still time and its free. Please go tohttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50RegardsIbrahim HasanDirectorAct Now Training Limitedwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-6-14 09:21:54 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#67872 The Coalition Agreement states that We will ban the use of powers in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act RIPA by councils unless they are signed off by a magistrate and required for stopping serious crime page 12Hugo Rifkind of the Times has written an excellent piece in the Spectator arguing that there is no need to curtail councils powers to do covert surveillance and that they are a force for goodhttpwww.spectator.co.ukprintcolumnistsall6025773dontfeartheriparegulationshavetobeenforcedsometimesevencovertly.thtmlThe article is well worth a read especially for those who have not grasped what RIPA is about including the new Government and call it anti terror legislation. My webcasts on the new RIPA codes of Practice may also be usefulhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50 2010-6-14 09:06:11 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#67652 BBC Radio 4 Thurs 10 June 2010 20002030 Law in Action ProgramAll about Police Surveillance v Privacy will be available to hear in Listen Again for 7 dayshttpwww.bbc.co.ukiplayerepisodeb00sm6ctLawinAction08062010or download the podcasthttpwww.bbc.co.ukpodcastsserieslawThoughtful and worth listening to. 2010-6-11 09:04:20 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#67501 Act Now Training is pleased to announced that again our delegates have achieved outstanding results in the ISEB Data Protection exams which took place in April 2010Led by Paul Simpkins the course was run in London in March and April 2010. We had 10 delegates from a range of backgrounds but mainly from local government. 9 delegates passed with an average mark of 58. The pass mark is 50. We have more ISEB courses planned for Manchester London and Edinburgh later in the year. Please consult out website for more details about each course. You can also see a sample of our successful candidates and read their testimonials. httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent29 Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss any aspects of the courses. Regards Ibrahim Hasan Solicitor and Trainerwww.informationlaw.org.uk 2010-6-9 13:20:14 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#66960 TSO recently launched OpenUp a challenge to encourage the British public to think about the government data they use in the course of their lives for example parents may need data on local schools or those looking to buy a property might want crime statistics for the area.OpenUp asks data users to consider how they would like this information presented to them. What do they need to make informed decisions and how do they want that information presented on a map combined with other statistics or delivered as a regular emailIf you have an idea you would like to enter into the OpenUp challenge simply visit www.tso.co.ukopenup and submit your idea online by 29 October 2010. The best five ideas will then be selected and if yours is one of them you will be invited to pitch your idea to our panel of experts.The winning OpenUp entry will be brought to life with a 16350000 development fund from TSO as well as a 1631000 personal prize for the creator of the winning idea. 2010-6-4 09:56:58 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#66953 Previously unreleased information about government spending is due to be published as part of a drive to open up official data to the public.The Treasury is to announce that it will make details available from its Coins database which lists all expenditure across Whitehall.It is one of a number of initiatives by the new government designed to increase openness and accountability.Details of civil servants earning more than 163150000 were published last week while information about all future government spending above 16325000 is due to become available from November. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hipolitics10233240.stm 2010-6-4 09:08:48 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#66658 More than 170 civil servants are paid more than Prime Minister David Camerons 163142500ayear salary according to Cabinet Office figures.The salaries of those earning over 163150000 were revealed for the first time in a bid to aid transparency. The government says increased transparency on senior pay will help win back peoples trust. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hiuk10200387.stm 2010-6-1 09:11:51 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#66594 Prime Minister David Cameron has set out plans to make more government data accessible to the public.Mr Cameron said he wanted to rip off the cloak of secrecy around government and public services and extend transparency as far as possible.Data being made available includes items of major government spending and the pay of top civil servants. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hipolitics10195808.stmThe prime minister also believes it will add to economic growth as the private sector collates the new information and offers it in different ways to the public.Ministers quote research from Cambridge University that suggests such information could add 1636bn to the economy. Ibrahim Hasanwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-5-31 16:02:36 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#66252 Interesting Article on CCTV and the Big Brother Watch Reporthttpwww.lawgazette.co.ukblogsnewsNote the bit at the endLaw Society president Robert Heslett said the centre would help reverse the erosion of civil liberties brought about by the disproportionate use of surveillance technology. The Law Society would be a key player in a coalition of individuals and organisations concerned with the legal and human implications of surveillance in the UK and internationally he said. And he has called upon lawyers and activists to become involved in the centres work. For anyone who is interested see the Privacy Rights Centre website. 2010-5-27 11:43:29 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#66096 The Queens Speech was published today. It contains proposals for a Freedom Bill which may make some changes to RIPA. You can read the proposals on the Downing Street websitehttpwww.number10.gov.ukqueensspeech201005queensspeechfreedomgreatrepealbill50647The only concrete bit on RIPA at present is as followsEnsuring antiterrorism legislation strikes the right balance between protecting the public strengthening social cohesion and protecting civil liberties.I do not think that RIPA will be repealed although there may be a few changes. Its too early to say what these will be but I do not think it will involve curtailing it to such an extent where councils will no longer be able to use it. Also the involvement of Magistrates as some have suggested is a non starterunworkable.See my RIPA webcasts httpwww.informationlaw.org.uk 2010-5-25 15:36:16 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#66016 Big Brother Watch has a new report out today on councils using covert surveillance to spy on people. You can read the report herehttpwww.bigbrotherwatch.org.ukhome201005thegrimripalocalcouncilsauthorising11covertsurveillanceoperationsaday.htmlAlso httpwww.pressandjournal.co.ukArticle.aspx1749769UserKey No doubt this will lead more antterror powers headlines in the media.There are plenty of RIPA resources on my website includingTwo RIPA webcasts on the latest changesA summary article om the changesThe new RIPA forms guidance documentsee httpwww.informationlaw.org.uk 2010-5-24 18:21:48 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#65984 I have just published episode 22 of my FOI Podcast in which I discuss decisions of the First Tier Tribunal Information Rights for the three months up to the end of April 2010 on 183 Late reliance on exemptions 183 Vexatious requests 183 Information about animal testing 183 Anonymised personal data 183 Information about employees and old personal data 183 Disclosure of legal advice I also examine the latest decisions on access to property search information under EIR. httpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage24.htm Please feel free to pass on this e mail to interested colleagues. Regards Ibrahim Hasan Solicitor and Trainer www.informationlaw.org.uk 2010-5-24 10:28:48 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#65738 Colleagues who advise on surveillance and RIPA will find this story interestingThe European Court of Human Rights has rejected a claim that the UKs Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act RIPA violates the human right to a private life. The UKs rules and safeguards on covert surveillance are proportionate said the court. The European Court of Human Rights has rejected a claim that the UKs Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act RIPA violates the human right to a private life. The UKs rules and safeguards on covert surveillance are proportionate said the court.httpwww.theregister.co.uk20100520surveillancehumanrightsrulingSo now the ECHR has given the thumbs up to RIPA will the ConLib alliance continue to with its proposals to curb this anti terror legislationI have done two webcasts on the latest changes to RIPA which can be found on our websitehttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50If you are a solicitor or Legal Executive you can claim half a CPD point for each webcast you watch.RegardsIbrahim H... 2010-5-20 10:44:59 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#65324 Google has admitted that for the past three years it has wrongly collected information people have sent over unencrypted wifi networks.The issue came to light after German authorities asked to audit the data the companys Street View cars gathered as they took photos viewed on Google maps.Google said during a review it found it had been mistakenly collecting samples of payload data from open networks. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hitechnology8684110.stmWhat else is Google doing that we do not know aboutRegardsIbrahim HasanDirectorAct Now Training LimitedPlease see our exciting new websitewww.actnow.org.uk 2010-5-15 08:52:47 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#65245 My next free web seminar is on Wednesday 19th May at 11am.I will be discussing the latest FOI decisions from the Tribunal including183 Late reliance on exemptions183 Vexatious requests183 Information about animal testing183 Anonymised data183 The Church of Scientology183 Disclosure of legal adviceI will also examine the latest cases on access to CON29 property search information.There will be an opportunity to watch the live broadcast with slides and ask questions in real time.Please click on the links below for more details. You will have to register but its absolutely free.httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50Please feel free to pass on this e mail to interested colleagues. 2010-5-14 09:29:22 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#65133 Now that we have a CONLIB Love In it is interesting to note what the parties have agreed about informationsurveillance lawhttpwww.libdems.org.uklatestnewsdetail.aspxtitleConservativeLiberalDemocratcoalitionagreementsamppPK2697bcdc748347a7a5177778979458ffThe scrapping of the ID card scheme the National Identity register the next generation of biometric passports the Contact Point Database all that work wastedOutlawing the fingerprinting of children at school without parental permission.The extension of the scope of the Freedom of Information Act to provide greater transparency More organisations to be addedAdopting the protections of the Scottish model for the DNA database.The review of libel laws to protect freedom of speech.Safeguards against the misuse of antiterrorism legislation Changes to RIPA although it is not anti terror legislationFurther regulation of CCTV A CCTV ActEnding of storage of internet and email records without good reason.RegardsIbrahim HasanDirectorAct Now Trai... 2010-5-12 15:29:19 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#64516 A London CCTV camera is earning almost 1631 million a year in fines from local motorists. The camera located outside Clapham South underground station in south west London has caught an average of 23 drivers a day each of which have been fined 163100 for pulling into a bus stop outside the station to drop off passengers.httpuk.cars.yahoo.com0405201036cctvcameraearnspound1millionyearmot0.html 2010-5-4 14:25:09 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#64423 Animals right to privacy needs to be taken more seriously by wildlife documentary makers suggests research.The ethics of the media and privacy should be extended beyond humans to the animal world suggests Brett Mills at the University of East Anglia.httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hieducation10093327.stmSome people may agree. Others may think this is form the manifesto of the Monster Raving Loony PartyGet it 2010-5-3 13:14:14 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#63975 Colleagues may be interested in our new look websitehttpwww.actnow.org.ukWe would welcome any feedback offline please.RegardsIbrahim HasanDirectorAct Now Training Limitedwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-4-27 14:01:23 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#63631 You can read our April 2010 newsletter by clicking on the link below httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent49 In this issue you will find articles onAccess to the files of the deceasedDisclosure of university course materialsFOISA in Scotland163500 fines for DP offencesDP news roundupPart 2 of RIPA the new law...And much more You can also access our previous newsletters by visiting our website www.actnow.org.uk 2010-4-23 11:02:15 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#62511 ColleaguesI am doing a free web seminar on the new RIPA Codes of Practice next weekRIPA Update The New Codes Tuesday 13th April 2010 at 11amThe new RIPA codes which came into force on 6th April 2010 will have a big impact on the way public authorities do covert surveillance. Amongst other things I will be discussing CCTV noise monitoring collaborative working test purchases and member involvement. There will be an opportunity to watch the live broadcast with slides and ask questions in real time.Many of you have already registered. If this is your first time watching a web seminar may I ask that you go on to our website and try out a recordingof a previous webcast. This will ensure that you can iron out any problems before this event.For those of you who have not registered there is still time and its free. Please go tohttpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage24.htmFeel free to pass this link on to interested colleagues in Legal Environmental Health Licensing and Trading Standards.RegardsIbr... 2010-4-8 10:15:01 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#62311 Colleagues BrightTALK are running a free Data Privacy amp Security Summit on April 8th or ondemand after. The full day of live interactive webcasts will feature a global program of 16 webcasts and can be accessed from the convenience of your desk.If you miss the event you can watch the recorded version ondemand. You can view the full summit lineup here httpwww.brighttalk.comsummitdataprivacy Some speakers and topics include Privacy Data Protection and Security Post UK Election Toby Stevens Director Enterprise Privacy Group Navigating Data Privacy Issues in Cloud Computing Hazel Grant Partner Bristows Next Generation Privacy Enhancing Technologies PETs Marc Sel Director of Information Protection PwC Belgium Challenges in Achieving Global Privacy Latest Compliance Changes JanBoris Wojtan EALA Data Privacy Lead Accenture Privacy in Todays Cloud Infrastructures John T. Sabo CA Director of Global Government Relations Register Now httpwww.bri... 2010-4-6 12:36:26 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#62301 ColleaguesThe new RIPA Part 2 Codes of Practice came into force todayhttpsecurity.homeoffice.gov.ukripamakinganappunderRIPAcodesofpracindex.htmlI am pleased to announce that you can now download an extract of my popular RIPA Forms Guidance Manual to evaluate httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent26It consists of each form reproduced with detailed notes on how to complete each section. Version 3 April 2010 of the Guidance has been fully revised in the light of the new RIPA Order and Codes of Practice. The Home Office forms still make reference to the old codes. Our forms are reproduced with references to the new codes.We are also doing a series of workshops examining the new codes in Bristol Manchester Belfast and Londonhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcoursesRIPASurveillanceLawRegardsIbrahim Hasan 2010-4-6 10:47:23 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#61914 The National Archives yesterday published the new self assessment tool to support compliance with the Records Management Code issued under s.46 of the Freedom of Information Act as revised in July 2009. The link below will take you to the relevant webpagehttpwww.nationalarchives.gov.ukrecordsmanagementassessingrmpublicauthorities.htm Dont forget we are doing a workshop on the new code in Manchester on 11th May 2010httpwww.actnow.org.ukcourses382Ibrahim Hasanwwwinformationlaw.org.uk 2010-4-1 08:14:57 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#61735 I spoke at the RMS Conference last week in Manchester. My session was entitled FOI Update.Those interested can download the slides athttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent45RegardsIbrahim HasanAct Now Training www.actnow.org.uk 2010-3-30 09:07:19 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#61656 The Welsh Assembly Government supported by the Welsh Local Government Association will be hosting an excellence day on the application of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 RIPA. The event will be held on 21st April at the SWALEC Stadium Cardiff from 10am. httpwww.wlga.gov.ukenglisheventsexcellencedayregulationofinvestigatorypowersact2000ripa I am one of the facilitators. I think attendance is free but you may just want to check with the organisers. 2010-3-29 09:41:06 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#61446 At least 100000 nonmedical staff in NHS trusts have access to confidential patient records claim campaigners.Big Brother Watch who based the figure on 151 responses from trusts said it demonstrated slack security.The group says hospital domestics porters and IT staff are among those with access to records in some trusts. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hihealth8587898.stm 2010-3-26 08:56:49 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#61037 To what extent can or should local authorities share information about individuals thought to pose a risk to childrenIn the recent case of H amp L v X City Council and Y City Council 2010 EWHC 466 Admin the Administrative Court considered this question in a case involving the disclosure of information by a local authority about a severely disabled man H who had been convicted of indecent assault on a child. More details can be read at httpwww.bailii.orgewcasesEWHCAdmin2010466.htmlI will be discussing this case in detail during my forthcoming workshop on Multi Agency Information Sharing in Manchester on 5th May 2010httpwww.actnow.org.ukcourses381 2010-3-21 19:11:59 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#60830 Dear Colleagues Act Now Training is pleased to announced that its recent delegates on the ISEB Courses leading to the Certificates in Data Protection and Freedom of Information have achieved outstanding results in the exams which took place in January 2010. Data Protection Led by Paul Simpkins and Tim Turner the course was run in Manchester and Edinburgh in DecemberJanuary. We had 23 delegates from a range of backgrounds but mainly from local government. So far 76 of all delegates have passed the exam with an average mark of 60.We are currently running the course in London and have more planned for Manchester and Edinburgh later in the year. To download a detailed flyer click here Freedom of Information Led by Ibrahim Hasan the course was run in Manchester in DecemberJanuary. We had 13 delegates from a range of backgrounds but mainly from local government. So far 91 of all our delegates have passed the exam with an average ... 2010-3-18 10:52:40 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#60624 Council chief executives leaving their jobs early are pocketing an average payoff of 163256104 a local government spending watchdog report has found.The Audit Commission said of the 37 given severance deals by English councils since 2007 13 got more than 163300000 and three more than 163500000.The government said new ways to claw back taxpayers money had to be found. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hiukpolitics8569237.stmThus far the ICO when dealing with appeals relating to this subject has always said that payoff information is personal data and should not be disclosed.In the light of the renewed public interest this report will create coupled with the inevitable public funding cutbacks after the election will he decide that there is a legitimate interest in knowing such information in the futureIbrahim Hasan 2010-3-16 08:53:33 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#60550 Please find below a link to another article on the RIPA changes which come into force on 6th April 2010httptiny.cc1b7keSorry to bombard you with RIPA stuff but this is more comprehensive than previous ones.Feel free to pass this e mail on to others. Let me know if you want a pdf version.RegardsIbrahim Hasanwww.informationlaw.org.uk 2010-3-15 09:41:20 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#60366 Dear ColleaguesI previously discussed the changes coming into force on 6th April 2010 to the RIPA Regime. At the time the orders giving effect to the changes were still in draft.They have now been approved by ParliamentThe Regulation of Investigatory Powers Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources Order 2010 SI 201052httpwww.opsi.gov.uksisi2010uksi20100521en1The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Covert Human Intelligence Sources Code of Practice Order 2010 SI 2010462 httpwww.opsi.gov.uksisi2010uksi20100462en1The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Covert Surveillance and Property Interference Code of Practice Order 2010 SI 2010463 httpwww.opsi.gov.uksisi2010uksi20100463en1You can read a briefing note about the changes these orders make on my websitehttpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage18.htmI am doing a workshops where these order will be examined in detailhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcoursesRIPASurveillanceLawRegardsIbrahim HasanSolicitor and Trainerwww.informationlaw.org.uk 2010-3-12 09:00:06 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#60315 CCTV cameras that can pick out abandoned luggage suspicious behaviour and lock onto potential suspects are being developed by UK researchers.It is hoped the technology could help prevent terrorist attacks by spotting odd elements in a situation before it can escalate. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hiuk8561367.stmRegardsIbrahim HasanDirectorAct Now Training Limitedwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-3-11 14:20:29 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#60294 Bexley council is going to name FOI applicantshttpwww.thisislocallondon.co.uknews5050252.BEXLEYFreedomofInformationapplicantstobenamedbycouncilWould this not be a breach of the DPASee also episode 18 of my FOI podcast where I discuss this issue under section 41.I wonder if this will catch onIbrahim Hasan 2010-3-11 08:26:11 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#60121 Software on mobile phones can be used to track the owners every move and listen in on every phone call.It costs as little as 50.Watch the video on my website under Surveillance Videos httpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage21.htmWe know its a criminal offence and hopefully the courts the ICO and Uncle Tom Cobley and all would throw the book at the perpetratorsbut if it is this easy why is every journalist not using this softwareOr are they 2010-3-9 08:19:20 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#59827 Privacy campaigners claim increasing numbers of councils are gearing up for pay as you throw rubbish charges by installing microchips in wheelie bins.The Big Brother Watch group says its survey found 68 UK authorities with the technology at their disposal up from 42 last year with chips in 2.6m bins. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hiuk8550929.stmRegardsIbrahim HasanSolicitor and Trainerhttpwww.informationlaw.org.uk 2010-3-5 08:10:31 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#59634 A scheme allowing parents to check if someone is a sex offender will be rolled out across England and Wales by March 2011 the Home Office says.A yearlong pilot has already protected 60 children ministers say. A similar scheme is to be launched in Scotland. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hiuk8546126.stm 2010-3-3 06:52:37 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#59186 ColleaguesPlease find below a link to the latest Information Law newsletter from Act Now Training.httpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent23You can also read our EIR newsletter.I was on holiday in January so forgot to post the link.RegardsIbrahim HasanDirectorAct Now Training Limited 2010-2-25 10:43:05 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#59153 ColleaguesMy next free web seminar is on 4th March at 11am.I will be discussing the latest FOI decisions from the ICO and the Tribunal. There will be an opportunity to watch the live broadcast with slides and ask questions in real time.Please see my website for more details. You will have to register but its absolutley free.httpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage24.htmPlease feel free to pass on this e mail to interested colleagues.RegardsIbrahim HasanAct Now Traininghttpwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-2-24 21:03:45 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#58717 Normal.dotm 0 0 1 86 492 Hasan Associates Limited 4 1 604 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostyleparent msopaddingalt0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt msoparamargin0cm msoparamarginbottom.0001pt msopaginationwidoworphan fontsize10.0pt fontfamilyTimes New Roman Ibrahim Hasans latest podcast has now been published. You can listen to it on his websitehttpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage20.htmYou can also subscribe to the fee in your RSS feed readerhttpinformationlaw.jellycast.compodcastfeed5In the three months upto the end of Janaury 2010 the Information Commissioner published 154 decisions whilst the Information Tribunal published 17. This podcast guides you thro... 2010-2-19 08:19:38 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#57814 Just in case you missed it the recording for the following webcast is now published and can be viewed onlineTitle Covert Surveillance and RIPA UpdateA discussion of the new Orders and Codes of Practice on RIPA and their impact on local authorities.Click this link to view the recordinghttpwww.brighttalk.comdcemailredirectwebcast6433Previous webcasts and articles on the RIPA updates can be viewed athttpwww.informationlaw.org.ukRegardsIbrahim HasanDirectorAct Now Training Limited 2010-2-5 21:23:27 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#56827 httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hiuk8477310.stmParents across England and Wales could be told about sex offenders who may come into contact with their children.The government is considering rolling out the scheme currently being trialled in Southampton Warwickshire north Cambridgeshire and Stockton. 2010-1-24 11:00:51 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#56642 Following the consultation on RIPA Part 2 Covert Surveillance last year the Home Office has announced that new codes of practice and regulations will come into force on 6th April 2010. Changes include more guidance on necessity and proportionality more of a role for councillors in setting RIPA strategy the appointment of a senior officer within organisations to oversee RIPA complianceI have produced a summary of the new developments which you can download from my websitehttpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage18.htmI will also be doing a free web seminar on this on 3rd February 2010 at 11am. For more detailshttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50 2010-1-21 14:39:21 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#56625 httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hitechnology8470797.stmWeb founder Tim BernersLee has unveiled his latest venture for the UK government which offers the public better access to official data.A new website data.gov.uk will offer reams of public sector data ranging from traffic statistics to crime figures for private or commercial use. httpdata.gov.ukIbrahim Hasanwww.actnow.org.uk 2010-1-21 09:17:33 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#52377 Details of how long profiles of innocent people arrested in England and Wales can be stored on the DNA database are due to be unveiled by ministers.It comes a year after the European Court of Human Rights said the existing indefinite limit was unfair.The BBC understands the Home Office is to propose keeping the DNA of innocent people for a maximum of six years.Police say retaining samples has helped solve crimes but human rights groups say the change does not go far enough. httpnews.bbc.co.uk1hiukpolitics8353824.stm 2009-11-11 08:22:22 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#49682 From time to time we will be producing free webcasts on the latest developments in information and surveillance law. You can listen and participate in these via your computer. All you need is a broadband internet connection and some speakersheadphones to listen to the audio. The slides are displayed on the screen and you can email your questions during the webcast as well as leave your feedback at the end.Its a fun and free way to learn without leaving the comfort of your office The next webcast will be a Freedom of Information Update on 13th October 2009 at 10am. Participation is absolutely free. Go to httpwww.brighttalk.comwebcasts6527attend Or click on the links belowhttpwww.actnow.org.ukcontent50httpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage21.htm 2009-9-29 18:00:24 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#49466 Colleagues Episode 19 of the UKs only FOI podcast has now been published.In the May June and July 2009 the Information Commissioner published seventy four decisions whilst the Information Tribunal published thirteen. In this episode amongst others Ibrahim Hasan will be discussing decisions on Fees and the aggregation rules Request for information about land Court records and section 32 Section 36 and disclosure of internal correspondence Statistics and section 40 Disclosure of disciplinary records AND the definition of commercial interests under section 43To Listen httpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage10.htmYou can also subscribe to this podcast using the RSS Feed httpinformationlaw.jellycast.compodcastfeed5 2009-9-26 14:03:22 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#49383 The Information Commissioner issued guidance in July about the relationshipbetween Property Search Regulations and the Environmental InformationRegulations. httpwww.ico.gov.uktoolsandresourcesdocumentlibraryenvironmentalinformationregulation.aspxThe EIRs have long been a source of confusion and surprise and theCommissioners guidance backed up by a number of formal decisions is noexception. The Commissioner insists that most of the information requestedby personal search companies is environmental and that Councils are obligedto allow inspection for free. This interpretation of the EIRs is entirely logical because they are basedon European legislation their content is circumscribed and they are notvery flexible. Any request for any information covered by the definition ofEnvironmental Information is covered by the EIRs and the Commissionercannot ignore this despite the headaches this causes for local councilsthe LGA and the Department for Communities and Local Government. Help is at ha... 2009-9-25 08:18:14 http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/page8.htm#49356 On 21st July 2009 the Chief Surveillance Commissioner Sir Christopher Rose published his annual report to the Prime Minister and Scottish Ministers on the application of Part 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Scotland Act 2002. You can read it by clicking on the link belowhttpwww.surveillancecommissioners.gov.ukaboutannual.htmlThe report relates to the period 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009. It covers the use of directed surveillance intrusive surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources CHIS by the police and other public authorities including local authorities. It contains some very useful pointers to help authorities carrying our surveillance and also the errors to avoid. You can read Ibrahim Hasans summary of the report by clicking on the link below httpwww.informationlaw.org.ukpage15.htm Once again the Commissioner has emphasised the importance of training. At paragraph 5.27 he states I continue to hold the view... 2009-9-24 16:37:44