The police releasing information without authority, reason or consent can constitute a breach of the GDPR, which could allow a victim to claim data breach compensation.
No one is above law. In fact, the police have an incredibly important duty to make sure that they uphold data protection legislation. Any failure on the part of the police to comply with the GDPR could put people at risk, so it is vital that this is recognised.
Privacy compensation for police releasing information
You could be entitled to claim privacy compensation in accordance with the GDPR for police releasing information without consent or without any good reason to do so. Such information could be incredibly personal and sensitive and could even lead to people being put at risk, depending on the nature of any data involved in criminal investigations. Because of the significance of the information that the police processes and stores, they have an important duty to make sure that data protection compliance is of paramount importance. Any leak, breach or hack involving particularly personal and sensitive information could have a substantial impact on a victim, and the GDPR recognises this.
There may be some cases in which there is a need for police releasing information and it is within their remit and responsibilities to do so. But the GDPR confirms that information must only be stored and processed when it is required and where there is authority and consent, if applicable. As such, any inadvertent or unrequired disclosure, or accidental leak of information, could mean that there has been a breach of data protection law.
No one is above the law. If you have been the victim of a police data breach, you could be eligible to claim GDPR compensation. You can contact our team for free, no-obligation legal help here now.
Thames Valley Police issued with ICO reprimand
There was a recent incident in which the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a reprimand to Thames Valley Police as a result of information being released without consent or reason to do so.
In this particular matter, it is understood that Thames Valley Police reportedly released information that led to suspected criminals learning the address of a witness. This is a particularly alarming event which could have put the witness in question at serious risk. It is understood that the witness had to move house, but the impact on them remains substantial.
In the ICO’s publication in respect of the matter, it confirmed that Thames Valley Police did not have appropriate steps – including training – to ensure that guidance around disclosure and redaction was followed. The ICO was unequivocal in its confirmation that this was a breach of data protection law.
Claim GDPR compensation now
If you have been the victim of an incident involving the police releasing information without authority, reason or consent, you could be eligible to claim GDPR compensation now.
If we believe that you have a case to pursue, we could represent you on a No Win, No Fee basis if you are eligible for this kind of representation with us. This way of working allows for access to justice.
The first place to start to find out if we can help you is to contact our team for a free, no-obligation claims assessment here now.