header-logo header-logo

Tough new powers for privacy watchdog

22 May 2008
Issue: 7322 / Categories: Legal News , Media , Public , Data protection
printer mail-detail

News

New powers to impose substantial fines on organisations that deliberately or recklessly commit serious breaches of the Data Protection Act 1998 have been handed to the privacy watchdog.

The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, which received Royal Assent this month, strengthens the powers of the Information Commissioner’s Office ( ICO) which under existing legislation could only issue an enforcement notice against organisations in breach of the Act.

David Smith, deputy information commissioner, says: “The prospect of substantial fines for deliberate or reckless breaches of the data protection principles will act as a strong deterrent and help ensure organisations take their data protection obligations more seriously.” However, Tom Morrison, an associate at Rollits, says it is likely the new power will only be capable of being exercised against the worst offenders, such as those that ignore enforcement notices. “The threat of fines being imposed by the ICO without the ICO having to go to the hassle of taking the offender to the courts may be enough however to capture the attention of at least some of those who may have previously thought that the ICO would not go to the effort of pursuing them,” Morrison adds.

Issue: 7322 / Categories: Legal News , Media , Public , Data protection
printer mail-details

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

A good book, a glass of chilled Albarino, and being creative for pleasure help Liz McGrath balance the rigours of complex bundles and being Head of Chambers

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Firm welcomes director in its financial services financial regulatory team

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn Premium Content

Partner appointment in firm’s equity capital markets team

NEWS

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Walkers and runners will take in some of London’s finest views at the 16th annual charity event

back-to-top-scroll