About this guidance
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Due to the Data (Use and Access) Act coming into law on 19 June 2025, this guidance is under review and may be subject to change. The Plans for new and updated guidance page will tell you about which guidance will be updated and when this will happen.
This guidance aims to help you if you want to complain about how a media organisation has treated you. It includes information on
- when you can complain to the ICO, and how to make a complaint
- the other organisations you can complain to, when you can complain to them and how to complain to them, and
- how to make a legal claim against a media organisation.
Contents
Terms used in this guidance
Who can I complain to if I have a concern about a media organisation?
- I want to complain about the way a media organisation has handled my personal data
- I want compensation or to take action through the courts
- I want to complain about the BBC
- I want to complain about a programme broadcast on TV, radio or a video-on-demand service
- I want to complain about a member of IPSO
- I want to complain about a member of IMPRESS
Complaining to the ICO about a media organisation
- What can I complain to the ICO about?
- How do I raise my concern with the ICO?
- What will the ICO do with my complaint?
- Do media organisations always have to comply with every aspect of data protection law?
- What powers of enforcement does the ICO have?
Complaining to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)
Complaining to the Independent Monitor for the Press (IMPRESS)
Complaining about a media organisation that is not a member of IPSO or IMPRESS
Complaining about the BBC
- What can I complain to the BBC about?
- What are the BBC Editorial Guidelines?
- Do I always need to complain directly to the BBC before complaining to Ofcom?
- How can I raise my concern with the BBC?
- What can I do if I disagree with the BBC’s decision about my complaint?
Complaining to Ofcom
- What is Ofcom?
- What can I complain to Ofcom about?
- How do I raise my concern with Ofcom about non-BBC content?
- When can I complain to Ofcom about the BBC?
- How do I raise my concern with Ofcom about the BBC?
Taking your case to court and claiming compensation
- Do I have to go to court to get compensation for a breach of data protection law?
- What do I need to do before I take a claim to court?
- How do I take my case to court if I cannot reach an agreement?
- How much compensation will the court award me if my claim is successful?
- Can the Information Commissioner help me with my court case?
- Can a media organisation stop any legal proceedings I bring?
- Are there any alternatives to taking my case to court?
- IPSO arbitration scheme
- IMPRESS arbitration scheme
Asking someone to act on your behalf
- Who can make a complaint to the ICO on my behalf?
- Can I ask someone to deal with an organisation on my behalf?
- Can I appoint a representative to help me take my case to court?