Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is no longer a toothless bulldog
says David Smith, the deputy information commissioner, after it was given the authority and muscle might to issue civil commercial fines of up to £500,000 for offences relating to data protection violations.
In a report titled, Referral fees and the theft of personal data, the committee says: “Currently the only available penalty is a fine, which we feel is inadequate in cases where people have been endangered by the data disclosed, or where the intrusion or disclosure was particularly traumatic for the victim, or where there is no deterrent because the financial gain resulting from the crime far exceeds the possible penalty.”
This is another example as to why all British companies need e-risks insurance cover in the business insurance policy, and it might also act as a warning for particualrly the small amdn medium sized enteprises (SMES) in the UK who think they can ignore the data protection guidelines. I would always recommend SMEs consulting with a legal expert on business intellectual property regarding their website or how they transact business online.
Read more of Guardian article “MPs back more powers for Information Commissioner’s Office”