Ireland’s data-protection watchdog has issued guidance on location data and the obligations on companies that are collecting it.

The use of location data has exploded as more smartphone apps rely on the information to deliver personalised services to users. It covers any information that links an individual to a particular place, including where a person currently is, or where they were at some point in the past.

However, there are strict guidelines governing the collection and use of such data in Ireland, and obligations on companies that are involved. Explicit permission must be sought from consumers to use the data for specific purposes.

Smartphone apps

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner called on consumers to be more aware of what terms they were signing up to by downloading smartphone apps in particular, and what that data was being used for.

“As the rate of technological innovation continues apace, more and more location data is being collected and transmitted and individuals should be vigilant of how this information is collected, processed and reused,” the DPC said in a statement.

The guidance includes advice on what consumers should look out for on smartphones in terms of allowing location data or not.

Individuals can request a description of the data held by organisations on them, and the purpose for which it is held. Under the Data Protection Act, organisations have 21 days to reply in writing to such requests and cannot charge fees for providing the information.