Businesses 'unwittingly' breaching Data Protection Act

08 June 2009



Nearly one in five of the country's businesses have unwittingly breached the Data Protection Act at least once, findings from the BSI suggested. Nearly half of the 500 small and medium-sized businesses said they had breached the act on several occasions, while 18 per cent were unsure whether they had or not.

"The BSI survey backs up what we have known for some time - that many organisations find the legislation in this area complex," commented Mike Low, Director of Standards at the BSI. He added that there is still a "long way to go" when it comes to putting better measures in place, with many of those questioned saying the law restricts their level of compliance with the Data Protection Act.

A breach of the act could refer to the illegal transfer of information to a third party, the organisation added, or could also involve information not being stored in a secure manner.

Alex Zachary, partner in the Technology & IP team at B P Collins comments: "This study illustrates the need for businesses, particularly those who routinely receive and process customer or other personal data, to get to grips with the obligations and restrictions which apply to them and the practical steps and safeguards they can put in place to protect themselves."

If you require legal advice, for either your private affairs or organisation, please call Thames Valley based B P Collins Solicitors on 01753 889995, complete the online enquiry form or email enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.

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