The Information Commissioner's Office celebrated three decades in the town with a marquee reception at their Water Lane offices last week.
In 1985 the first Data Protection Registrar opened a small office in Springfield House on Water Lane, employing a staff of just ten people to oversee the new Data Protection Act, which gives people rights over how their personal information is used by organisations.
Today the Registrar's successor, the Information Commissioner's Office, employs more than 400 people. In addition, the independent regulator is responsible for overseeing the Freedom of Information Act, the law that gives the public the right to see information held by government bodies, and regulates nuisance marketing calls and texts.
The anniversary event on Wednesday 2 July was attended by over 200 guests, including current and former staff, the Mayor of Cheshire East and the Methodist Church Reverend. Guests were entertained with a '30 years of the ICO' video and a playlist of songs which either had a data protection theme or were in the charts 30 years ago. Artist Eleanor Beer was also present illustrating ICO's history.
Speaking at the event, Information Commissioner Christopher Graham said "We've always been made to feel very welcome in Wilmslow, and very much appreciate being able to call it home. It's a pleasure to be able to celebrate 30 years here."
Photos: The Mayor of Cheshire East, Councillor Hilda Gaddum and Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham cutting the cake, Graphic Illustrator Eleanor Beer illustrating thirty years of the ICO, ex Information Commissioner (from 2002 to 2009) Richard Thomas CBE and ex Deputy Commissioner Francis Aldhouse CBE.
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So what's it for if not as a public palliative?
I'm happy to be educated on the subject.