Dear All,

A thought that came to me during the recent discussion of the phone hacking testimony was the following issue.  If an investigative journalist decides to investigate someone, will the information they find about the person be accessible under the DPA?   

 

I am not sure the tests necessary would be met to withhold. 

 

In particular, if the investigation never led to publication the processing was not with a view to publication.  In the case of surveillance, would the public interest test be sustained given the non-publication?  Finally, would access, after the story or when no story appears, be compatible with the special purpose?

 

If that is the case, could the victims of the phone hacking make SARs to the various newspapers and media outlets available to find out what was held and how it was processed?

 

I would be interested in how others would approach this issue.

 

Thanks

 

Lawrence

 

Principal Information Management Officer

Durham County Council

Room 4/140

County Hall

County Durham

DH1 5UF

 

0191 372 8371

VPN 77778371

 

 




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