UK Data Watchdog Apologizes to Former NatWest Chief Alison Rose Over Incorrect Breach Claims in Farage Bank Case

ICO's apology clarifies that investigation did not find former NatWest CEO Alison Rose guilty of breaching data laws by discussing Farage's banking details, despite his initial claims.

• The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has apologized to former NatWest CEO, Dame Alison Rose for suggesting she breached privacy laws in relation to the Nigel Farage banking case.
• The ICO clarified its investigation was into NatWest as a data controller and not Alison Rose's actions, regretting its earlier statement which gave this impression.
• Dame Alison resigned as Natwest’s chief executive in July after admitting she had discussed Farage's account details publicly. Farage had claimed that his account with Coutts bank, owned by NatWest, was being shut down and he had not been given a reason.
• The fallout occurred after Farage obtained a report showing his political views were a factor in the account closure, leading to a complaint filed with the ICO by Farage.
• The regulatory body stated it was wrong to suggest that Dame Alison had breached data protection rules when she had not been investigated, adding that it regrets not giving her an opportunity to comment on initial findings regarding her role.

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