The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has backed plans for a single customer view. With this, data on an individuals’ spending will be shared by and between businesses with a view to reduce any potential harm.
These measures have been suggested following a consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), especially as there needs to be concerns raised in regards to how the UK’s data policy might be affected following its exit from the EU.
In particular, attention is being paid to the development of new and innovative data sharing solutions. This development will include systems that are currently used by businesses to share data on customers through the single customer view.
The ICO also stated that it would support this new use of data-sharing when it comes to assessing customer risk.
In a statement, it said: “We support the Government’s intention to provide organisations with additional support in understanding risk and ensuring appropriate protections are applied. Approaches to new, innovative, and appropriate forms of data sharing are to be welcomed.”
It was noted that sharing data in this way would help to improve some of the disparities in power that currently exist between those holding data sets, and those who want to make use of them. More clarity is also required in terms of data protection.
UK Gambling Minister Chris Philip stated that the ICO’s statements could help to reduce gambling harm and could be used as a pre-cursor to the development of further data-sharing solutions.
He said: “We are determined to tackle problem gambling and we are undertaking a comprehensive review of our gambling laws to ensure they are fit for the digital age.
“I welcome the Information Commissioner’s Office findings that data can be shared safely and securely between operators to prevent problem gamblers running up crippling losses.”
