Press Release: Band Hatton issues warning over data protection

Business owners could face huge fines if they fail to ensure the protection of personal data stored by their company a Coventry law firm has warned.Under the Data Protection Act any organisation which stores or uses personal data concerning others, for example customer or client details, has a duty to take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect against accidental loss of data.And Station Square-based law firm Band Hatton has warned, in light of recent legal developments, that failure to do this could see  businesses  hit with fines of up to half a million pounds.The Information Commissioner (IC), which is responsible for the enforcement of the Data Protection Act, recently imposed a fine of £100,000 on Hertfordshire County Council after faxes containing sensitive personal information were sent to the wrong person.In another case, a company called A4e Limited was hit with an £80,000 fine after a laptop containing unprotected personal information about clients was stolen from an employee’s home.There are further offences currently being investigated by the IC's office and in one case it has indicated it might impose the maximum penalty.Jon Wilby, Band Hatton’s lead litigation partner, said: “The level of the fines in these cases will no doubt be of serious concern to many especially as the circumstances of each case might be considered somewhat unfortunate.“But it is clear the failure to have adequate systems in place to protect sensitive data will be punished and that the Information Commissioner intends to use its powers to full effect.“The penalties send a strong message to all organisations handling personal information - get it wrong and you will do substantial harm to the individuals affected and the reputation of your business.“Therefore, it is important to seek specialist advice from qualified professionals on the requirements of the Data Protection Act in order to allow businesses to produce appropriate policies, advice and training to ensure it is meeting its obligations.”ENDS

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