I have just spoken to the ICO about this, I was surprised with the
response! The lady I spoke with did not not believe that the list of
postcodes (coupled with the knowledge that they are for members of staff)
was personal data, since it would not identify an individual. Following
the discussions on the list yesterday, it is clear that this opinion is not
shared by everyone! I will proceed with caution.
Thanks for all your comments,
Caroline
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Caroline Dominey" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 9:10 AM
>> Subject: [data-protection] Are Post Codes Personal Data?
>>
>>
>> Good Morning,
>>
>> I have already posted this to another list but would appreciate any
>> further thoughts.
>>
>> We have received a request for a list of full postcodes for the home
>> addresses of all members of staff to promote a local carshare scheme (no
>> names would be attached to the postcodes). I do not feel that we should
>> release this information, because although one postcode could cover a
>> number of houses you may have the odd case where someone lives in the
>> middle of nowhere and the postcode relates to them only. (I have
>> suggested
>> we release the first part of post codes only, but have been told this
>> would not provide enough information).
>>
>> However, it is being argued that postcodes are not personal data, and I
>> am
>> aware that other organisations have released the information. I would
>> appreciate any advice/comments on this.
>>
>> Many thanks
>> Caroline
>>
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>
> ------------------------------
> Caroline Dominey
> Data Protection & Planning
> [log in to unmask]
> 01392 263033
> www.ex.ac.uk
> ------------------------------
>
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------------------------------
Caroline Dominey
Data Protection & Planning
[log in to unmask]
01392 263033
www.ex.ac.uk
------------------------------
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