Data protection cases rise by 30 per cent
The number of cases relating to data protection being handled by the Information Commissioner’s Office rose by 30 per cent in 2009/10 compared to the previous year. In the ICO’s annual report, published yesterday, productivity as well as reporting rates were both significantly higher, with 39 per cent more cases closed.
“Technology, concerns about data security and the welcome focus on transparency of official information mean information rights are centre stage,” said Information Commissioner Christopher Graham at the launch of the report. “We have made some significant internal changes to ensure we are best placed to deal with the increasing demands and expectations placed upon us by the public and the organisations we work with.”
Graham added: “Respect for information rights is not optional. Organisations that ignore their responsibilities will not only lose the confidence and trust of citizens and consumers, but could face painful enforcement action from the ICO as well.”
Top of the list of 33,234 enquiries and complaints relating to personal information was failing to adequately deal with subject access requests as required under the Data Protection Act. Financial services providers in lending were the most complained about sector.
