Information Commissioner's Office

The Information Commissioner's Office is the UK's independent public body set up to promote access to official information and to protect personal information.

We regulate and enforce the Data Protection Act, the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations and the Environmental Information Regulations.

The ICO provides guidance to organisations and individuals. We rule on eligible complaints and can take action when the law is broken.

Reporting directly to Parliament, the Commissioner's powers include the ability to order compliance, using enforcement and decision notices, and prosecution.