New powers of Information Commissioner push data protection up the risk register

Until now the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) could only envy other regulators with powers to impose fines and conduct audits. This is changing and the ICO is now empowered to audit public sector bodies which are in breach of (or suspected to be in breach of) data protetion obligations. These powers are likely to be extended to the private sector. Also, the ICO will soon have powers to issue fines to organisations which seriously breath the Data Protection Act.

Businesses and public bodies which have been quick to recognise the potential new risks are conducting data protection health checks to make sure they are in good shape should the ICO come knocking.

Wragge & Co's experts provide further information on the ICO's new powers.