Privacy fears force Nats to alter survey

THE SNP has been forced to change its survey on independence after a watchdog ruled that it flouted data protection laws.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said the party had revamped the questionnaire’s privacy policy.

Fears had been raised that the Nationalists could harvest personal data illegally by making it difficult for respondents to opt out of receiving further contact. The Tories lodged a complaint with the ICO, saying the questionnaire could contravene the Data Protection Act. Other critics suggested it could fall foul of electronic marketing rules.

Both matters are overseen by the ICO, which can issue fines. However, it will not be taking ‘formal enforcement action’ as it is satisfied the survey is ‘now compliant’. The SNP had insisted the information gathered would meet its obligations under the law but it has amended the privacy policy.

At the survey’s launch this month, the SNP said it aimed to contact two million people to find out their views on Europe, Brexit and independence. A spokesman said: ‘Our website is fully compliant with all data privacy regulations, as ICO has confirmed.’