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Videoconferencing software, data protection and confidentiality

Purpose: To guide all barristers on good practice regarding videoconferencing software, and the data protection and confidentiality issues involved
Scope of application: All practising barristers
Issued by: The Information Technology Panel
First reviewed: 17/04/2020
Last reviewed: 15/12/2022
Status and effect: Please see the notice at end of this document. This is not “guidance” for the purposes of the BSB Handbook I6.4.

This guidance has been produced by the IT Panel as a response to the increased use of videoconferencing platforms due to the Coronavirus outbreak and government policy surrounding remote hearings. It addresses the various issues relating to data protection and confidentiality that barristers should be aware of when using various platforms to conduct remote hearings.


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Important Notice

This document has been prepared by the Bar Council to assist barristers on matters of information security. It is not “guidance” for the purposes of the BSB Handbook I6.4, and neither the BSB nor bodies regulating information security nor the Legal Ombudsman is bound by any views or advice expressed in it. It does not comprise – and cannot be relied on as giving – legal advice. It has been prepared in good faith, but neither the Bar Council nor any of the individuals responsible for or involved in its preparation accept any responsibility or liability for anything done in reliance on it. For fuller information as to the status and effect of this document, please refer to the professional practice and ethics section of the Bar Council’s website here.

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