Using the ICO Register for OSINT

When investigators think about company research in the UK, they often go straight to Companies House. However, another government-maintained dataset can provide valuable intelligence that is frequently overlooked: The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Register of Fee Payers.

Many UK organisations that process personal information are required to pay a data protection fee to the ICO. As part of this process, information about the organisation is published on the ICO register.

For investigators, this can provide an additional source of information that complements company records and sometimes reveals details not found elsewhere.

What Is the ICO Register?

The ICO maintains a public register of organisations that have paid the data protection fee.

The register includes a wide range of organisations, including:

• Limited companies
• Sole traders
• Partnerships
• Charities
• Public bodies
• Clubs and associations

Importantly, not every organisation on the ICO register will appear on Companies House. This makes it particularly useful when researching sole traders, small businesses, self-employed individuals and community organisations.