Following data protection principles are crucial for companies today. What, then, are these principles? And why are they important?
Data Protection Principles
Data protection principles are:
1. Personal data should be processed fairly and lawfully and transparently.
2. Personal data should be collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes.
3. Personal data should be adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary for relation to the purposes for which they are processed.
4. Personal data should be accurate and kept up to date.
5. Personal data should not be kept for longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they are processed.
6. Personal data should be processed by the rights of data subjects under the country’s laws on regulations.
7. Personal data should be processed in a manner that ensures the appropriate security of personal data. This includes protection against unauthorized or unlawful processing and accidental loss, destruction, or damage. Or using appropriate technical or organizational measures.
These principles are not always easy to follow and require a lot of effort when it comes to the use of personal data. However, if companies want to stay compliant with the rules regarding personal data, they must be followed.
Then, the Data Protection Act 2018 is the new set of regulations for GDPR in the UK. The act will replace the current Data Protection Act 1998 and set out the rules for processing personal information. It also contains rules on the rights of data subjects and processing special categories of personal data. That is criminal convictions, health information, ethnic origin, etc.
The act will apply to all businesses and organizations that either process personal data or control how it is processed. Also, this will include all types of companies and charities in the UK.
The Importance of Data Protection Principles
One of the biggest reasons why companies should follow the data protection principles is because of the rules regarding personal data. The rules are enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). If a company fails to follow the rules, it could get a huge fine and even get shut down.
Further, as we are living in a world that is digitalized and connected, we must protect the data that companies have. Personal data is often sensitive and if it gets into the wrong hands, it can cause a lot of damage.
Following the data protection principles will not only make sure that companies are compliant with the rules. But also make sure that they are secure. As a result, companies can better ensure competitive advantage as well as a better position in the future. Thus, future-proofing their company.
Final Words
As you can see, companies need to follow data protection principles. These principles will not only make sure that they are compliant with the rules. But also make sure that they are secure. This will help them to stay compliant, and keep their reputation intact. Furthermore, following these principles is not always easy, but it is something that companies need to do.