In June 2013, the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
published new guidance entitled "Social networking and online forums—when does
the DPA apply?" (Guidance). The document explains
what must be considered by organisations that run social media
sites, as well as by individuals who upload or download personal
data from online forums, social networking sites, message boards,
or blogs.
The DPA does not apply when personal data is processed by an
individual for the purposes of their personal, family or household
affairs. The Guidance makes it clear that the "household
exemption", which permits an individual to process personal
data for his or her own use, does not apply to organisations, even
if the organisation uses an employee to undertake the processing
through his or her personal networking page. Individuals and groups
of individuals (including clubs or societies) may only rely on the
exemption if they process the data merely for domestic
purposes.
