Political parties and candidates need to understand important privacy rules when promoting themselves to voters – and keep to them, Christopher Graham, the Information Commissioner, says.
Previous election campaigns have been marred by some parties flouting the rules, resulting in hundreds of thousands of people being targeted unlawfully. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is issuing updated guidance for political parties and candidates covering a range of communication techniques including direct mail, emails, text messages, phone calling and automated phone calls. The guidance applies to direct market campaigning, such as encouraging individuals to vote for a particular party or candidate, appeals for funds and support for a campaign.