ICO investigations

The Data Protection Act (DPA) creates a number of criminal offences that can only be instituted by the Information Commissioner or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The most relevant DPA offences to consider are:-

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly obtain, disclose or procure the disclosure of personal information without the consent of the data controller.

If a person has obtained personal information illegally, it is an offence to offer or to sell that personal information. For the purposes of section 55(5) DPA, an advertisement indicating that personal data are or may be for sale is an offer to sell the data.

The DPA contains a number of notification offences. This is where processing is being undertaken by a data controller who has not notified the Commissioner either of the processing being undertaken or of any changes that have been made to that processing.

Personal data must not be processed unless an entry in respect of the data controller is included in the register maintained by the Information Commissioner.

Cases can be heard in either the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court with a maximum sentence in either Court of an unlimited fine.

As the body responsible for enforcing and overseeing the DPA 1998, the ICO enjoys enforcement powers quite separate from the court. The Information Commissioner can impose a fine (up to a maximum of £500,000) for serious contraventions of the DPA 1998.

Some have called for stronger sentencing powers and for breaches of the Act to carry a possible sentence of imprisonment. However, there already are offences which carry custodial penalties for which those who breach section 55 of the DPA 1998 can be convicted. A person who has breached section 55 could, dependant upon the facts, be prosecuted for:

If you are facing an investigation or prosecution for an alleged data breach, the early intervention of a specialist solicitor is a must. Our data protection and regulation law team has dealt with many cases where their timely advice and assistance has ensured a much better outcome for the client.

It is often the case that an unrepresented business will say or do things which prejudice the future defence of their case. We will assist from the very beginning of an investigation and avoid this. We will liaise with the regulator to obtain full disclosure.  Our experienced team will then provide strong guidance on how to deal with investigations, formal interviews under caution and any subsequent court appearances.

We aim to protect you and your business from the potential negative outcomes of an investigation or prosecution. This can often be critical as the consequences of getting it wrong can include significant financial penalties, damage to the reputation of the business, loss of business and possible prison sentences.

Therefore the stakes are high and we are able to obtain the very best result for a business by carefully managing all aspects of an investigation. When dealing with an investigation, we can often avoid a subsequent prosecution or conviction and the negative consequences of the same. If this is not possible, then we aim to ensure that the most lenient sentence is achieved and that the negative consequences of this are limited.

Directors and other officers of companies who have committed offences, under the DPA 1998, can become liable for prosecution. Where it is shown that a company has committed an offence and it is proved to have been committed with the consent, connivance of, or due to any neglect on the part of a director or other officer, that person will be guilty of the offence in addition to the company itself That person becomes liable to being sentenced personally.

This principle also applies to the members of a company which is managed by its members.

If your organisation becomes aware of a data breach, there are steps that need to be taken.

Previously, there was no mandatory obligation to report breaches to the ICO, and no fixed penalty for not doing so.

Following GDPR coming into force the position on self-reporting changed. Businesses are obliged to self-report without undue delay if they become aware of a serious personal data breach. A breach will be deemed as serious if it is likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals.

At Lupton Fawcett, we can advise you from the offset as to the best ways to prevent, manage and control data breaches and how to deal with the fallout of any such breach.

We have experienced data protection solicitors ready to answer your enquiries about any data protection law issues via email or telephone.

Lupton Fawcett are a leading personal and commercial law firm in Yorkshire with well-established offices of highly experienced solicitors in Leeds, Sheffield and York.

We provide a personalised service and extensive resources to ensure we are giving you the best solutions to your problems.

Within every area of law, we put your interests first.