The code of practice will help businesses and organisations share data safely, fairly and transparently through practical steps to sharing data while protecting people’s privacy.

As well as good practice, the code will also seek to dispel myths around data sharing and highlights how the ICO will enforce the code.

The new code, which is a statutory code of practice prepared under section 121 of the Data Protection Act 2018, will lay before parliament for 40 sitting days before it comes into force. The code was originally published by the ICO late last year.

A statement from the ICO said: “Data sharing that engenders trust in how personal data is used is a driver of innovation, economic growth and the delivery of more efficient and targeted services. Looking beyond the immediate Covid-19 crisis, data sharing will be central to the UK’s recovery.

“The ICO will continue to engage with organisations and other stakeholders as part of our ongoing work on addressing perceived barriers to data sharing, helping them better understand how they can share information appropriately.”