ICO fee for processing personal data

There has been a recent increase in the number of members contacting us with uncertainties about ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) payments.

While the payment has been around for a while, it appears many IBDs have only recently received letters requesting payment and are confused about whether the fee applies to them.

The fee applies to those who are processing personal data, which includes:

1. using CCTV for the purposes of crime prevention 
2. processing personal information

 ‘Personal information' means any detail about a living individual that can be used on its own, or with other data, to identify them. 'Processing' means doing any of the following with the information:

• obtaining it;
  
• recording it;
  
• storing it;
  
• updating it; and
  
• sharing it.

This is according to the Data Protection (Charges and Information) Regulations introduced in 2018. From 25 May 2018, people who use CCTV for domestic purposes, ie to monitor their property, even if it films beyond the boundaries of their property will be exempt from paying a fee under data protection law.

To find out whether you - as an individual or on behalf of your business or organisation - need to pay a fee to the ICO please complete the form on the ICO website here.

If you are already paying a fee to the ICO and would like to check that you are paying the correct amount you can visit their website here.

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If you have any other queries please contact us.