Let the ICO know what you need from the upcoming regulatory Sandbox

The ICO wants to hear from potential Sandbox applicants

The idea of regulatory Sandbox is not new in the UK and was actually pioneered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is looking to replicate the success of this scheme for any organisation developing innovative products and services using personal data.

The ICO wants to champion innovative companies that are using personal data in a new product but where there may be some kind of public benefit from the development of a product or service. Information Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham, has always stated that a company does not have to choose between privacy and innovation but rather the two go hand in hand. The ICO is putting that mantra into practice with the Sandbox.

In order to gain a better understanding of the types of organisations that will be applying to enter the regulatory Sandbox and what technologies they will be submitting, the ICO would like to hear from potential applicants.

Companies creating new marketing products or services using artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technology should consider completing the survey. Artificial intelligence is one such technology that could potentially pose a high risk and benefit from being tested from within the regulatory Sandbox.

It has the potential to drive innovation and allow organisations a safe space to test new products and services but only if flexible enough to allow truly innovative companies to become involved.