Data Protection: Using Employee Photos and Personal Details Online and in Marketing Materials

We increasingly see photographs and personal information about directors and employees both on websites and in marketing materials. This could also include company Facebook pages and other social networking sites.

A word of caution...

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, photos, names and work histories of employees are considered to be "personal data".  This information can only be used for the original purpose intended (eg identity cards) and must not be processed unless employees have given their express consent - ideally in writing.

So if you are updating websites, social networking pages or company marketing materials and you want to include details of your team, make sure they are aware of what you intend to do with the information and that you have their express agreement.  Ideally you want this to be in writing.

If employees object to you using their personal data in this way, then don't use it.