Data protection breaches and compensation claims

In a world of digital consumerism, we are constantly disclosing personal information online for purposes such as purchasing goods and services, signing up for marketing emails, and making job applications. As a result, there are likely dozens of companies that are in possession of our personal information, kept in digital format in huge databases. Unfortunately, while many data stores are kept secure in order to comply with data protection law, other companies fail to sufficiently protect their data subjects’ information. There are, therefore, many people falling victim to data protection breaches and compensation claims can provide a route to justice.

As specialists in data protection, we believe that some data controllers are still not taking their legal obligations seriously. Consumers are already at a risk of cybercrime, so it is unacceptable that supposedly legitimate and reputable companies are exposing victims to further security risks.

If you have had your data compromised by a third-party organisation, you should not suffer in silence. In accordance with data protection law, you can assert your rights by pursuing a claim for compensation for any injustice you may have faced.

The UK GDPR and the obligations of data controllers

In accordance with the GDPR, data controllers are individuals or organisations that oversee the storage and use of personal information that is disclosed to them. Being a data controller, therefore, naturally requires an individual or organisation to comply with the data protection principles of the GDPR.

In particular, data controllers are required to use technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. This, for the most part, can equate to deploying cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorised access, and to implementing an effective data protection policy for those with access to the information to follow.

How your rights can be violated

Data breaches can occur due to a number of errors, some more simple than others. For example, many data breaches we have encountered have been caused by basic human errors, such as sending emails or letters to the wrong recipients, or failing to sufficiently redact personal information before publishing documents or articles online.

In other cases, the mistakes can be even more costly. This can be particularly relevant where they relate to cybersecurity defences. For instance, if a company leaves a database insecure, or leaves a vulnerability on their website, they could open the personal information they hold up to unauthorised access and fraudulent misuse.

In any of these instances, victims can be severely impacted by the data protection breaches, and compensation claims can be the only course of action if any form of justice is to be achieved.

Experts in data protection breaches and compensation claims

While many UK law firms have only recently begun to branch out into the field of data protection law, we have been representing victims for privacy matters since 2014. Our leading, expert team knows how to maximise clients’ compensation amounts, ensuring they receive the damages they deserve for the distress and/or financial losses they have suffered.

For advice on data protection breaches and compensation claims, you can contact our specialist team today or register your details for a call-back.