Data Protection and Privacy
The Data Protection Act 1998 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 provide a framework in which personal data of individuals can be used while ensuring that individuals’ rights to privacy are protected. These rules can sometimes be complex, but the consequences for getting it wrong can be expensive for businesses, both in financial and reputational terms. The law in this area, when dealing with public authorities, is strengthened by the right to a private and family life in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
There are radical changes afoot in the field of Data Protection that individuals and data controllers should be aware of. Despite the decision to leave the European Union in the referendum held in June 2016, the EU’s new General Data Protection Regulation will still enter into force in the UK on 25th May 2018. This Regulation will alter the data protection and privacy landscape considerably and provides individuals with greater rights and contains tougher penalties for data controllers.
We can assist data controllers with ensuring that their policies and procedures are adequate to ensure compliance with the law. We can also advise on requests for access to personal data by data subjects and others (such as the Police), as well as assisting with any enforcement action being taken by the Information Commissioner.
Individuals have a range of rights about how their information is to be used and protected. It can be concerning and distressing when information is mishandled or misused by those to whom it is trusted. We are happy to meet with individuals to advise on your rights and to help you exercise and enforce your rights.
If you wish to discuss a data protection or privacy matter with us you can call Alistair Sloan on 0141 229 0880 or send Alistair an E-mail.