ICO powers are now renewed and strengthened

VIP LOUNGE

CLOUD LOGIN

You are here: News > News > ICO powers are now renewed and strengthened

» IT Security NEWS

» 05 April 2010

ICO powers are now renewed and strengthened

According to some experts, firms should become knowledgeable about the newly- appointed authority over the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the well known regulator of data protection. This agency holds supremacy in which it can penalize companies with a fine that can reach £500,000 if one violates the Data Protection Act (DPA).

A power bestowed upon for a greater security

The power being appealed by ICO for many years was entrusted to the said agency on Tuesday. The Justice Secretary already agreed on this last January but only this week that it was fully handed to the organization. This power is the only possible method of having absolute conformity of firms with the DPA.

Threats can never be avoided by users

According to Christopher Graham, Information Commissioner, there can be a possible security threat for individuals who utilize large databases as storage for their confidential data. This is done whenever users accomplish dealings through the net, state, banks, and other forms of organizations. Thus, once there is a violation of privacy, many people will suffer from great amount of stress and they will also be in danger.

In addition, Graham stated that he will have an unfaltering dedication of reminding various groups about following ICO’s policy and having all of them meet the terms stated on the DPA. He will also give punishment for those who will not abide by the rules integrated therein.

The line between alert and inattentive firms

Various industries accepted the newly-appointed authority over the ICO because this organization was previously viewed as simply an incapable regulator.

The solicitor with PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, Jonathan Nugent, said that the businesses should also provide assistance when dealing with the persisting breach of privacy. Industries in the United Kingdom must know and understand the new set of rules as well. They have to guarantee that their methods of conforming to data protection meet the principles set by ICO. In this way, the DPA can be fully imposed and that violations against privacy can be battled.

Nugent suggested that penalties must also be included in their new powers such as imprisonment for those who make use of confidential data in an illegal manner.

On the other hand, William Malcolm said that this will be a new light for ICO since many organizations are not conscious about the power that this agency possesses. The information law expert from Pinsent Masons added that ICO must ensure that an evaluation will be completed as to how confidential data are to be dealt with and also the methods on executing the measures on data protection.

Try browsing through the website for more information regarding SecPoint: About SecPoint, SecPoint Products, and SecPoint Press.