Data Protection
Kingston Council is developing AI governance frameworks to manage data protection risks, while Newham Council includes data protection in councillor training.
Kingston Council is currently developing robust governance frameworks to manage risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, including staff access to consumer AI tools. This cautious approach to AI integration, focusing on efficiency tools, was reviewed by the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee in September 2026. Separately, Newham Council's Standards Committee discussed a Councillor Development Programme in March 2026, which includes training on data protection.
Councils are also addressing information governance and data breach incidents. Croydon Council began bolstering its information governance practices in November 2025, aiming for a more robust approach to data protection and compliance, following a review by the Audit & Governance Committee. In July 2025, Waltham Forest Council's Audit and Governance Committee reviewed a report showing 173 suspected data breach incidents in the preceding 12 months, with five requiring mandatory reporting to the Information Commissioner's Office.
Key facts
- Kingston Council's Audit, Governance and Standards Committee reviewed its AI adoption strategy on September 3, 2026. Source
- Newham Council's Councillor Development Programme for 2026/27 includes training on data protection. Source
- Newham Council's Standards Committee discussed the Councillor Development Programme on March 11, 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Croydon Council's Audit & Governance Committee reviewed an Information Governance Improvement Plan in November 2025. Source
- Waltham Forest Council logged 173 suspected data breach incidents in the 12 months prior to July 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.