Hooray we have our first sucesseful Freedom of Information Act Request ! Well, almost.
We requested a copy of a Mobile Phone Industry Code of Practice regarding Location Based Services, especially those aimed at Children and Vulnerable Adults, from Ofcom, the Industry Regulator.
We have got a reply ref: FOI Case 2360053 (does that mean the 53rd FOIA request this year ?) after only 8 working days.
The email reply is attached below, and includes:
"I have spoken to colleagues in the sections of Ofcom likely to have knowledge of this and we do not believe that Ofcom has been involved with work to produce such a code. As such, and following a search of our paper and electronic records, we do not hold the information you requested."
Fair enough. However this does raise the question of exactly why was Ofcom, the Mobile Phone Industry regulator not involved in even any discussions about a Mobile Phone Industry Code of Practice covering such a sensitive and controversial issues like the privacy and safety of children.
"However, an internet search has found [URL ] which appears to be the Code you are seeking and you may wish to contact the Mobile Broadband Group, whose details are given, if you require further information."
Yes indeed, the URL that they have pointed us to does seem to be the right sort of document entitled:
"Industry Code of PracticeFor the use of mobile phone technology to provide passive
location services in the UK24 September 2004"
However, the URL quoted does not belong to any of the Mobile Phone Network companies, or the Location Based Service providers, or the Children's Charities which were involved in drawing up this Code of Practice.
Recent Comments