| Link(s): | Information Commissioner: Organisations need to do more to help people affected by data breaches | ICO Ripple effect: the devastating impact of data breaches | ICO |
Context
John Edwards, the Information Commissioner, has published a blog supported by a press release calling on organisations to do more to help people affected by data breaches. Edwards is urging firms to “stop the negative ripple effect” by improving data protection for people in vulnerable situations, and recognising the real-world impact of data breaches and the devastating effects they can have on people’s lives.
Key points to note and next actions
- Figures revealed by ICO show nearly 30 million people in the UK have experienced a data breach.
- In total, 55% of UK adults reported having had their data lost or stolen, with 30% of them experiencing emotional distress as a result.
- 25% said they received no support from the organisations responsible and 32% found out through the media rather than from the organisation itself.
- Edwards says that there are two important things he wants organisations to understand: empathy and action.