Data Protection, Privacy and Information Law
Data protection and privacy is a complex and developing area of law. Issues involving information and data can arise in many situations, whether in a corporate or personal context. In the UK, data protection is currently governed by the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Data protection gives individuals rights over personal data to determine how and why their information is being used. It allows them to seek compensation where it is being used unlawfully. In a commercial context, compliance is crucial to avoid regulatory investigation and civil litigation.
The right to privacy is a separate area of law, although there can be overlap with data protection. Misuse of private information claims can be brought by individuals in the High Court, where personal information is being used without consent or authority. The increasing dominance of social media in information communication and the wide reach of the Internet are increasing the risk of reputational damage. Defamation claims can be brought in the High Court to obtain redress where false information is being made public and where it is causing serious harm.
The legal landscape for the use of data and information and the right to privacy and reputation is constantly developing. We can assist with:
- Data protection compliance, advice, and litigation
- Database rights and data sharing
- Data subject access requests
- Freedom of Information requests
- ICO investigations or complaints
- Advice on access to information or disclosure
- Privacy litigation and Article 8 of the ECHR
- Breach of Confidence
- Defamation claims
- Reputational issues
- Right-to-be-forgotten requests
- Policies, guidance, protocols, and training materials