Data security to lead annual DMA conference

The Information Commissioner has called for data security to be given a far higher priority in both the public and private sectors, in company boardrooms and in the general corporate culture following a spate of high profile data security breaches which he has described as “frankly horrifying.”

The ICO’s office has recently issued a paper setting out the case for changes to be made to the Data Protection Act 1998 to create a new offence of knowingly or recklessly failing to comply with the Data Protection Act’s principles and giving the Commissioner stronger inspection and audit powers for more effective enforcement, of which the DMA is fully supportive.

Caroline Roberts, Head of Public and Legal Affairs at the DMA, says: “Recent events have served to bring data security to the very top of the agenda for companies dealing in personal information. So much depends on the public’s confidence that their personal information is not being put at risk and it is crucially important for the industry to get this right. The Information Commissioner’s insight into his Office’s current priorities and views on enforcement will no doubt be of much interest to our industry and beyond.”  

Other speakers at the Conference will provide updates on developments in the world of data and give practical guidance on how effective data security procedures can be embedded as standard company practice and used as a positive instrument to strengthen consumer confidence. There is also a new session for those responsible for data protection matters in the voluntary sector.

For further information about the conference and to book a place, please contact Hannah Lang on tel 020 7291 3344 or email Hannah.lang@dma.org.uk.