(1)The Commissioner must prepare a code of practice which contains—
(a)practical guidance in relation to the sharing of personal data in accordance with the requirements of the data protection legislation, and
(b)such other guidance as the Commissioner considers appropriate to promote good practice in the sharing of personal data.
(2)Where a code under this section is in force, the Commissioner may prepare amendments of the code or a replacement code.
(3)Before preparing a code or amendments under this section, the Commissioner must consult the Secretary of State and such of the following as the Commissioner considers appropriate—
(a)trade associations;
(b)data subjects;
(c)persons who appear to the Commissioner to represent the interests of data subjects.
(4)A code under this section may include transitional provision or savings.
(5)In this section—
“good practice in the sharing of personal data” means such practice in the sharing of personal data as appears to the Commissioner to be desirable having regard to the interests of data subjects and others, including compliance with the requirements of the data protection legislation;
“the sharing of personal data” means the disclosure of personal data by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making it available;
“trade association” includes a body representing controllers or processors.