Former UK information commissioner taking legal action against woman who flagged his conduct

Summary

John Edwards resigned in June after independent investigation following claims of sexual harassment and bullying The UK information commissioner who resigned over sexual harassment and bullying claims is understood to be taking legal action against a woman who flagged his conduct. The science and technology secretary, Liz Kendall , said she was “appalled” by the fact that John Edwards was preparing to serve legal papers on one of the “incredibly brave” women at the ICO who raised concerns about his behaviour. Edwards resigned from his post as the UK’s data regulator in June after an independent investigation. Kendall told the science, innovation and technology select committee on Wednesday she had seen the “vulgar and highly sexualised language that was used in [Edwards’] interactions with his staff”. She previously said multiple women told the investigator they felt “offended, shocked and uncomfortable” after interactions with Edwards. The chair of the select committee, Chi Onwurah, called it a “very disturbing incident”. The ICO is the UK’s independent regulator for data protection and information rights with responsibility for policing freedom of information, electronic marketing and data security. It said Edwards’ conduct was “unacceptable” and fell well short of “the safe, respectful working environment” all staff deserve. Kendall said of the woman Edwards is said to be taking legal action against: “By reporting her concerns, she supported the independent investigation that upheld multiple allegations made against him. Kendall conceded that some children will circumvent government measures to restrict social media. “There will be kids on those sites,” she said. “We know from Australia, when they brought a ban in, the kids will try and get round it and succeed … For me, it is probably even more about future generations that we’re putting the ban in place to change social norms and cultural expectations.” Kendall also predicted that the next big issue for the government, possibly under an Andy Burnham administration, will be tackling disinformation on social media and messaging services, exemplified the spread of online disinformation about the knife attack in Belfast that triggered violence and anti-immigration protests.