John Edwards, the United Kingdom's information commissioner, has resigned following a workplace investigation that concluded his behavior fell short of public official standards. Edwards, who has led the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) since early 2022, stated that he had accepted there were occasions where he exercised poor judgment and made attempts at humor that were inappropriate and caused offense.
The ICO is responsible for regulating artificial intelligence in the UK, as well as overseeing data protection and freedom of information laws. Science Secretary Liz Kendall expressed deep concern over the findings, noting that "multiple women shared testimony to the investigator on feeling offended, shocked and uncomfortable following interactions with Mr Edwards." Kendall added that she had "seen evidence of the vulgar and highly sexualised language that was used in his interactions with his staff and am extremely concerned that he continues to describe these incidents as misplaced humour."
Edwards had voluntarily stepped back from his duties at the end of February to allow an independent investigation to take place. The investigation concluded that there was a case to answer regarding his conduct. In his resignation statement, shared on LinkedIn, Edwards indicated he disagreed with aspects of the investigation's process but accepted his position had become untenable.
He stated his decision was made to avoid becoming a distraction from the ICO's work and has formally notified the government of his resignation as both information commissioner and chair of the ICO, effective immediately. The ICO confirmed that its board and executive team have been leading its operations since Edwards stepped back, ensuring continuity in its leadership and regulatory work. The organization stated it would continue to be led by its board and executive team to ensure continuity.