UK's top privacy regulator steps down after workplace investigation

Chief of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) John Edwards has stepped back from his duties pending an HR investigation.

In a LinkedIn post published on Saturday, Edwards wrote: “I wanted to let you know that for the last few weeks I have voluntarily stepped aside from my duties at the ICO while an independent investigation into HR matters is undertaken.”

“I am fully cooperating and engaged with the investigation and will report progress in due course.”

The message appeared on LinkedIn after Politico submitted questions regarding Edwards’ absence.

In a separate statement, the ICO told the news outlet that the ICO’s chief resigned from his duties on February 26th “to enable an independent workplace investigation which relates to him.”

The agency aims to produce a report with recommendations for the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) on what to do next.

“To protect all parties involved and maintain the integrity of the investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this stage. The board, chief executive Paul Arnold, and executive team continue to lead the ICO, aligned to the scheme of delegation, to ensure continuity in our leadership and regulatory work,” the statement said.

A spokesperson for the DSIT has confirmed that “an independent workplace investigation” is currently being conducted and that Edwards has stepped back from his duties “so the proper process can be followed.”

Edwards took the position of chief of the ICO in January 2022 after serving as New Zealand’s privacy commissioner from 2014 to 2021. His goal was to help the UK government create a new, more “pro-innovation” regime regarding the EU’s data protection rules.

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