The Information Commissioner says police will be asked about Nicola Bulley’s health disclosures to ensure they were necessary.
John Edwards said data protection laws are in place “to ensure that personal information is used correctly and fairly”.
The 45-year-old went missing three weeks ago while walking his dog along the river in St Michael’s on the Wyre, Lancashire.
Lancashire Police have been criticized for struggling with alcohol and publicizing menopause.
Mr Edwards said personal details “should not be disclosed inappropriately”.
“Police can disclose information to protect the public and investigate crimes, but they must be able to demonstrate that such disclosure was necessary,” he said.
“We recognize that at this stage of an intensive, direct investigation, the force must focus all its energies on the inquiry.
“But given the high-profile nature of this case, we will ask Lancashire Police to determine how they came to the decision to disclose this information in a timely manner.”
The Home Secretary has also raised concerns with the police after revealing personal information about a missing mother-of-two.
A source close to Soyla Braverman said she has “asked for an explanation”.
