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ARTICLE · 06 OCTOBER 2009

Prison Sentences For Those "Dealing" Unlawfully In Personal Data!

MacRoberts
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Prison sentences and higher financial penalties for breaches of data protection laws are expected to be introduced in the near future, following discussions between the Information Commissioner's Office and the Ministry of Justice.

United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
David Flint
David Flint
Valerie Surgenor
Valerie Surgenor
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Prison sentences and higher financial penalties for breaches of data protection laws are expected to be introduced in the near future, following discussions between the Information Commissioner's Office and the Ministry of Justice.

Christopher Graham, the new Information Commissioner, has told the House of Commons Committee on Culture, Media and Sport that he will be lobbying Parliament to have the custodial sentences provision in s77 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act activated. This will mean that anyone convicted of obtaining, procuring or disclosing personal data without the permission of the Data Controller can face a prison sentence of up to two years, as well as a substantial fine.

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