University fundraising is probed over data of ex-students
UNIVERSITY FUNDRAISING is being investigated amid allegations some institutions may have failed to tell alumni their personal information is being profiled.
The UK’s Russell Group universities send former students’ data to firms for screening before approaching them for donations, the said.
The Information Commissioner has confirmed it is looking into whether any of the institutions failed to tell people they would be screened.
While profiling individuals for fundraising is not against the law, not clearly telling them it is going to be done is. Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said: “We will look carefully at the evidence provided by the to see if, and where, rules have been broken and what learning there is for wider practice.
“Personal data belongs to the individual and that means they have the right to make choices about how it’s used. The law requires organisations to tell people what it’s going to be used for and who it’s going to be shared with – and that’s what people expect.
“We have been working with the Fundraising Regulator and talking to universities about their responsibilities around transparency and accountability as they prepare to comply with a new, stronger data protection law coming into force in May next year.
“We have offered to help universities better comply with the rules by working with them on guidelines and codes of practice, so people can continue to have confidence their information is being used in line with the law.”
The Russell Group said donations from former students are used for a wide range of purposes.