The privacy and data protection regulator the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a GDPR awareness campaign aimed at people running micro-businesses – those employing fewer than ten people.
The GDPR replaces the 1998 Data Protection Act and is due to come into force on May 25. According to the ICO, the new law gives people more control about how their data is used, shared and stored and requires organisations to be more accountable and transparent about how they use it.
ICO radio adverts are mainly aimed at those micro-businesses who haven’t heard about the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). For more on the new law, and compliance with it, visit the ICO website.
Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said: “All organisations have to be ready for the new data protection rules, but we recognise that micro-businesses in the UK face particular challenges. I’m sure the women and men running micro businesses in the UK will want to be ready when the new law comes into force, but they may not know where to start, and that is what the new tools and information on our website can help with. For the large majority of micro businesses, the steps towards GDPR compliance can be practical and achievable without costly or expensive external support.
“It’s also worth noting that many sector and industry groups and associations are offering help to micro businesses about the GDPR and can be a good starting point for industry-specific advice.”
Background
The GDPR is coming in as UK application of the European Union rules, regardless of the UK’s vote to leave the EU in 2016. Whereas the ICO has the power to impose a monetary penalty on a data controller of up to £500,000, under GDPR the fines are likely to be far higher; as is the fee for registering with the ICO. Likewise the UK will be implementing the EU directive on the security of Networks and Information Systems (known as the NIS Directive), that covers organisations within vital sectors which rely heavily on information networks, for example utilities, healthcare, transport, and digital infrastructure. For more visit the NCSC website.
To report a concern to the ICO telephone our helpline 0303 123 1113 or go to ico.org.uk/concerns.
