In-Reply-To: <00c701bfb249$d8d41e40$9747063e@dad>
Dave,
> Another issue regards councillors is how their identity is brought to public
> attention. A local councillor friend discovered his personal profile
> published on a council run web site. This being actioned without his
> knowledge. Given his political persusion was also there the data appears
> sensitive and appeared to require the councillors consent to hold and use.
I am afraid that, when one stands for public office, one automatically gives
up the right to a certain amount of privacy. Things like your full name,
address and political party affiliation (as stated on your nomination form and
subsequently modified by your written consent to join a political group within
a Principal Council) become a matter of public record under the Representation
of the People Acts.
Now, when it comes to matters of public record, surely there is no distinction
between publishing on the Internet (by way of a web page) or publishing in the
local paper (by way of a public notice) or publishing on a Council Noticeboard
(located on the outside of the Council Offices)? All are acceptable under the
Representation of the People Acts. Or have I misunderstood your point?
Graham Smith (Cllr.)
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