United Kingdom: Closed first public consultation on draft Data protection and journalism code of practice

On 24 January 2022, the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) closed a public consultation on its draft Data protection and journalism Code of Practice for media organisations and journalists on the use of personal data for journalistic purposes. Following the provisions of section 124 of the UK Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA218), the ICO has developed a draft Code of Practice, which provides guidance to journalists and media organisations on compliance and best practices with the DPA 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Among other data protection-related issues, the draft Code details the concept of accountability, requiring journalists and media organisations to not only comply but to evidence compliance in practice. In addition, the draft Code provides information regarding the special purposes exemption under the Data Protection Act 2018 and its applicability to journalistic activities. Further, the draft Code contains general guidance on keeping personal data secure and using personal data lawfully.