Vertex Law

Historically data protection has never really been all that exciting, the Data Protection Act 1998 (the 'Act') was something that most businesses felt that they had to pay lip service to or make some token gesture at showing compliance. This all changed on the 6 April 2010.  

With the advent of the age of the internet, identity theft and data storage negligence becoming more prevalent, The Data Protection (Monetary Penalties) (Maximum Penalty and Notices) Regulations 2010 (the 'Regulations') have at long last given the Act real teeth.

The regulations give the Information Commissioner the power to impose financial penalties of up to £500,000 for serious breaches of the Act.

Also currently under consideration is a proposal for custodial sentences of up to two years for those who deliberately or recklessly flout data protection laws.

With this in mind, if personal data is the cornerstone of your business, our Technology & Media lawyers can provide a full Data Protection Review service or help structure the way you collect and process personal data to give you peace of mind that you are in compliance with the law.