The report, which will be based on the theme: ‘Are we sleepwalking into a surveillance society? The threats to individuals and the challenges for data protection authorities’, will form the focal point for discussion at the 28th International Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners’ Conference, which will be hosted by the Commissioner in London on the 2 and 3 November.
The report should take account of the increasing amount of information that is collected about individuals as they go about their daily lives; how this is allowing government and the private sector to build up potentially intrusive pictures of how individuals live their lives; and the privacy risks that may arise now and in the future. The report should also outline the challenges that face data protection authorities in ensuring proper respect for individuals’ data protection and privacy rights. Given the international nature of the conference at which the report will be presented, attention should also be given to the potential for common action by data protection authorities around the world.
Proposals, which need to be delivered by 5 June, should include an expected completion date for the final report. The study must be completed by 18 September at the latest.
For more information, please contact Jonathan Bamford, assistant commissioner, tel: 01625 545752, e-mail: jonathan.bamford@ico.gsi.gov.uk