The initiative includes a padlock symbol for companies collecting personal data which explains clearly what the information is for and how it will be used. It will be displayed on advertising coupons, application forms, websites and anywhere information is gathered. The hope is that it will counter concerns over the invasion of privacy arising from the ever greater number of companies using data for commercial ends. Nearly 80 per cent of people are worried about the amount of information held on them. According to a survey carried out last year by the Data Protection Commissioner, more than 70 per cent are concerned about the lack of openness from organisations that process their personal details.
Personal data is valuable to companies who want to target certain types of customer.
But individuals may also have their credit records passed between organisations without their knowledge. The campaign follows changes to the law last month which brought in stricter controls and required organisations to be more open. We hope it will quickly become established as the symbol of organisations with an open and fair approach to data handling. When it's not there, consumers should demand to know why.