The Information Commissioner has launched a consultation on the first-ever code of practice on data sharing for public, private and civil society organisations.

The code covers routine data sharing as well as one-off instances where a decision is made to release data to a third party.

The code covers a number of areas including:

• what factors an organisation must take into account when coming to a decision about whether to share personal data;
• the point at which individuals should be told about their data being shared;
• the security and staff training measures that must be put in place;
• the rights of the individual to access their personal data; and
• when it's not acceptable to share personal data.

Information Commissioner Christopher Graham said the aim of the code was to facilitate appropriate data sharing, which could bring clear benefits, while maintaining individuals' right to privacy.

The draft code is available here and the consultation will run for 12 weeks, ending on 5 January 2011.