ICO opens beta testing for the regulatory Sandbox

We have previously reported on the ICO’s regulatory sandbox and how they intend it to be a place for organisations to test innovative new products and services that use personal data.

However, this is new ground for the ICO and so sensibly they are carrying out a beta test before they roll out the full Sandbox.

Announcing the beta phase the ICO said:

“The Sandbox beta phase offers a free, professional, fully functioning service for approximately 10 organisations, of varying types and sizes, across a number of sectors. The ICO will consider applications from start-ups, SMEs and large organisations, across private, public and voluntary sectors.

“The ICO will assess applications on the basis of whether the product or service being developed is innovative and can provide a potential demonstrable benefit to the public. Public benefit will be determined in terms of both breadth – the amount of people benefitting – and depth – the extent to which they benefit.”

Applications must be submitted to applysandbox@ico.org.uk no later than noon on Friday 24 May 2019. Further details on the Sandbox, its benefits, eligibility criteria and the application process can be found via the Guide to the Sandbox on the ICO website or by emailing the ICO team at sandbox@ico.org.uk.