Privacy and cookies
When we provide services, we want to make them easy, useful and reliable. Where services are delivered on the internet, this sometimes invloves placing small amounts of information on your device, for example, computer or mobile phone. These include small files known as cookies. They cannot be used to identify you personally.
These pieces of information are used to improve services for you through, for example:
- enabling a service to recognise your device so you don’t have to give the same information several times during one task
- recognising that you may already have given a username and password so you don’t need to do it for every web page requested
- measuring how many people are using services, so they can be made easier to use and there’s enough capacity to ensure they are fast
You can manage these small files yourself and learn more about them through aboutcookies.org (external link).
Our use of cookies
HMIC uses the following cookies on this site:
- So service is available when you want it and fast, we measure numbers and volumes of visitors using __utma.
- To understand what visitors want to view and not to view, so we can improve the service you receive and archive what is not required, we use __utmb, __utmc, and __utmz.
- To allow us to identify when you have opted to view the site in high-contrast mode, and therefore deliver the site in this mode automatically (whenever you load a new page or return to the website) we use high-contrast. This cookie will last for 90 days, or until you disable high-contrast mode.
Data Protection Act 1998
The processing of personal data is governed by the Data Protection Act 1998, under which the we are registered as a data controller. Any personal data you provide will be held securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. We will use your personal data for the purpose(s) in relation to which you have provided it. We may however need to disclose personal data to a third party so that they can provide the service you have requested, or fulfil a Subject Access Request. We may additionally need to disclose information where there is a legitimate reason for disclosure (such as a court order) but we will ensure that we always comply with the Data Protection Act. Any information about you that we pass to a third party will be held securely by that party, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, and used only to provide services or information you have requested.
As a data subject you have the right to ask for a copy of personal data about you and to ask for inaccuracies to be corrected. Queries about Home Office compliance with the Data Protection Act should be addressed to:
Information Policy Team
Information and Record Management Services
4th Floor
Seacole Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF