UK told to unleash Information Commissioner through new powers

In an escalation of a row over how the Data Protection Directive has been implemented in the UK, the European Commission has given the British Government two months to come up with proposals for full compliance.

In particular, it is being required to give the Information Commissioner’s Office the final legal say over resolution of data disputes.

Viviane Reding, Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, said: “I urge the UK to change its rules swiftly. Having a watchdog with insufficient powers is like keeping your guard dog tied up in the basement.”