Data protection: Tougher enforcement and increased power for the Information Commissioner?

Abstract

Database marketers, more than most, should be aware of their obligations as regards protection of data and the role of the Information Commissioner's Office. The perception of those who hold personal data, so-called ‘data controllers’ under the Data Protection Act, has been affected by headline news in the past year or so. Various committees and independent reviews are investigating the relevant legal provisions in light of recent breaches of data security and in particular HMRC's loss of data, reportedly comprising the banking details of 25 million recipients of child benefit. Here we assess the various calls for changes to the law and what tightening of the rules might mean for database marketers.Journal of Database Marketing & Customer Strategy Management (2008) 15, 207–212. doi:10.1057/dbm.2008.9; published online 25 August 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]