Major Revisions Proposed To Data Protection Laws

The UK Government has announced plans this week for an overhaul of the UK Data Protection Laws which were drafted under the Digital Minister, Matt Hancock. This could mean individuals will be able to ask for their personal data or information that was posted historically when they were children to be deleted. 

fingerprint-979598_960_720

The overhaul of the act could mean a change in the way we share information and hold records. The bill will transfer the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation into UK law. Mr Hancock stated, ‘It will give people more control over their data, require more consent for its use, and prepare Britain for Brexit’. The proposal under the bill will; 

  • Allow citizens to ask for their data to be completely wiped
  • Allow people to withdraw consent for use of data
  • Require firms to obtain explicit consent for personal data use
  • Expand personal data to include IP addresses, DNA and cookies
  • Allow citizens to get hold of information organisations hold on them

This in turn will change the way businesses and organisations will use and handle personal data. A firm seen to be seriously breaching data can be fined up to £17m or 4% of global turnover, levied by the UK’s data protection watchdog. At the current time, the maximum fine a company can incur is £500,000. These changes will create a complete overhaul on how companies keep and gain consumer information. As well as creating a knock-on effect on social media and how commercial websites use “cookies” to create ads and information related to you online.

At Sharrocks we recommend organisations that hold client information continue to review and manage their data handling procedures. A standard Professional Indemnity policy will provide legal costs cover to defend a criminal prosecution under the Data Protection Act together with claims made from customers for unintentional breaches of confidentiality. Premiums for this cover can begin from as little as £150.00 for the year, for a quotation please contact us. 

Posted in News Tagged with: , , ,

Event Equipment  Hire Insurance

Visit our YouTube channel