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ARTICLE · 15 MAY 2008

Data Protection Legislation Finally Gets A Killer Punch!

MacRoberts
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The UK Information Commissioner has been given new powers to impose hefty fines on: those who intentionally or recklessly disclose information contained in personal data to another person; those who repeatedly and negligently allow information to be contained in personal data to be disclosed; and on those whose deliberate or reckless actions result in breaches of the Data Protection Act's eight Principles.

United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
David Flint
David Flint
Valerie Surgenor
Valerie Surgenor
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The UK Information Commissioner has been given new powers to impose hefty fines on:

  • those who intentionally or recklessly disclose information contained in personal data to another person;

  • those who repeatedly and negligently allow information to be contained in personal data to be disclosed; and on those

  • whose deliberate or reckless actions result in breaches of the Data Protection Act's eight Principles.

The change in the law, brought about an amendment to the Data Protection Act 1998 (the "Act"), has introduced these 'new' offences under a new section 55A to the Act.

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