The UK Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham has issued a draft journalism code of practice with features a guidance on data protection practices for media outlets and their staff.

Ms Denham explains that data protection law recognises and protects the special public interest served by journalism and freedom of expression, whilst protecting people’s rights. 

The draft journalism code of practice “provides practical help to strike the right balance between journalism, freedom of expression and data protection.”

”Let me be clear, the code is about data protection law. The code does not concern press conduct or standards in general, and journalists can be reassured that data protection law and the code will not stop them from doing their job of informing the public and holding the powerful to account.”

The Commissioner explains that the code will support journalists and media organisations in getting data protection right, which will in turn help them build and maintain public trust and confidence in their work.