Data Losses to Incur Fines of up to £500,000


Information Commissioner’s Office wins backing to issue fines of up to £500,000 for serious data breaches

The new rule is expected to come into force in the UK on 6 April 2010. It has been approved by Jack Straw MP, Secretary of State for Justice. The size of the fine will be determined after an investigation to assess the gravity of the breach, amongst other factors.
Individual cases will also be assessed on whether the breach was accidental or deliberate, and how much distress the leak of information caused.
There have been several high profile data losses in recent years from large organisations including the Ministry of Defence and the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
In an official press statement, Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham said he hoped the penalty would encourage companies to comply more closely with the Data Protection Act.
"These penalties are designed to act as a deterrent," he said. "I remain committed to working with voluntary, public and private bodies to help them stick to the rules and comply with the Act. But I will not hesitate to use these tough new sanctions for the most serious cases where organisations disregard the law."
Prolinx works with organisations to deliver comprehensive disaster recovery, archiving, backup and retrieval solutions. Our services will ensure your data is maintained proactively, cost-effectively, securely and in compliance with agreed standards of best practice throughout its lifecycle.
For more information visit www.prolinx.co.uk/dataManagement, call 01844 279199 or email contact@prolinx.co.uk.

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