Guidance for the public
Guidance stages explained
Drafting – During this stage we pull together all relevant information and create a structured draft.
Public consultation/call for views (optional) – Usually we carry out a public consultation or call for views before we complete the guidance. To understand more about how and when we do this, you can read our consultation policy.
Redrafting (following consultation) – We make changes to the draft guidance to clarify issues and meet the needs of our audience.
Withdrawn – Occasionally we decide to not proceed with a guidance project. If so, we’ll mark it as withdrawn and remove it when we next update this page. If we decide to revisit an issue, we add a new entry to this page.
Published – Guidance is final and available on the website
List of guidance in development
- Customers who use AI in complaints and correspondence guidance
- Data protection basics
- Does an organisation need my consent?
- How to complain to an organisation update
- I’m worried about how an organisation has handled my information, what should I do?
- Marketing emails (spam)
- Marketing texts (spam)
- Police and justice guidance update
- The right to object to the use of your data update
Customers who use AI in complaints and correspondence guidance
New guidance to help the public use AI appropriately when writing complaints and correspondence to the ICO and controllers.
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Summer 2026
Data protection basics
New guidance giving a simple explanation of personal information and a brief introduction to data protection rights.
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Summer 2026
Does an organisation need my consent?
Updated guidance for the public on lawful basis, which includes the changes made by the Data (Use and Access) Act
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Summer 2026
How to complain to an organisation update
Update of existing guidance to cover Data (Use and Access) Act changes
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Summer 2026
I’m worried about how an organisation has handled my information, what should I do?
Updated guidance to for the public to include amendments from the Data (Use and Access) Act.
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Summer 2026
Marketing emails (spam)
Update the Spam emails guidance
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Spring 2026
Update the Spam texts guidance
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Spring 2026
Police and justice guidance update
Data protection guidance across the police and justice system, from policing through courts, prison, probation and employment update
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Autumn 2026
The right to object to the use of your data update
Update of existing guidance to cover Data (Use and Access) Act changes.
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Spring 2026