Context
Ahead of Data Protection Day, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is encouraging the UK’s 5,501,000* small-and-medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to check they have the right data protection practices in place to help sustain and develop their businesses.
Key points to note
Good data protection practices project positively on a company’s reputation. A recent survey, commissioned by the ICO, showed 91% of people worried about having their personal information sold to other companies without their consent, and 87% worried about a company losing their personal information.
Data protection law sets out what businesses should do to make sure they are looking after people’s personal information properly and fairly. In addition to the legal requirement, good data protection makes economic sense. It saves business owners time and money, and shows customers their information is being treated correctly. The ICO has a suite of free resources providing advice and guidance on its dedicated SME hub.
The ICO’s advice for businesses comes as the regulator completes a pilot programme with up to 60 SMEs from across the UK, in which they have been trialling a new training and development programme. Named SME Data Essentials, it is aimed at empowering organisations to become better equipped to manage their own data compliance.
Next actions
None – for information and awareness.