Technology such as smart phones has made it easier than ever before for individuals to be located. Organisations use this data to offer personalised services, such as navigation apps or location-specific news content on websites.

Aimed at both individuals and organisations, the guidance will assist individuals in understanding how information relating to their location is collected and processed, and provides clarity to organisations on their obligations regarding such data. The overriding principle of the guidance centres on the protection of the individual’s right to data privacy.

Publishing the guidance, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner advised users of smart phone apps, in particular, to familiarise themselves with the terms attaching to the downloading and use of apps and where