Regulator data breaches can be a real cause for worry and concern given the nature of the information that they may store and process, and the loss of confidence in an organisation that is there to help us.
Your Lawyers, as Leading Data Leak Lawyers, represent victims claiming data breach compensation against regulators. Victims of such a data breach could be entitled to claim thousands of pounds in data breach compensation. We can assess potential claims on a free and no-obligation basis, and if we believe that there may be a case to answer, we can offer to represent a claimant on a No Win, No Fee basis.
You can speak to our team for free, no-obligation legal advice here now.
The worries of regulator data breaches
The worries of regulator data breaches can be substantial. Ultimately, we rely on regulators to protect us in certain environments, from consumer matters to even data protection matters with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). It can be hard to stomach the idea that we may not be able to rely on regulators if they are involved in a breach of personal information, and our confidence in them could take a serious knock.
The fact is that many regulators process and store very personal and sometimes sensitive information. Because of the nature of the data that they may handle in regards to complaints and problems, information that could be leaked, breached or hacked could cause significant distress to the person affected. As such, given the potential level of distress, it is important to recognise that people may need help to access some form of justice for any distress they have suffered from.
An example in the media: AIMS and the FSA
There are a few examples of regulator data breaches that have happened over the years. In respect of a fairly recent one, there was an accusation from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) last year that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) had allegedly breached information.
According to the website Meat Management, AIMS reportedly raised a complaint that the FSA had disclosed the personal information of several members of its organisation. It was said that this was the second time in 12 months that the FCA had allegedly committed a data breach, with cases involving information reportedly being disclosed without consent.
Following the allegations, AIMS confirmed that they were investigating the matter and the FSA issued a statement to say that they were taking steps to handle the matter in accordance with the GDPR to avoid future issues.
How to get compensation for data leaks and breaches
Want to know how to get compensation for data leaks, breaches and hacks? We may be able to help you now.
The GDPR that governs data practice and compliance in the UK can also allow victims whose information has been misused and/or exposed to claim compensation. A victim could be eligible to claim compensation for any distress that has been caused by the loss of control of their personal information. If applicable, a victim may also be able to recover damages for losses and expenses, but you can just claim for the distress alone.
Generally speaking, the more personal and sensitive information is, the greater the distress may be and, therefore, the higher the amount of data breach damages may be awarded. Some regulator data breaches could attract substantial compensation awards and pay-outs as a result of the nature of the information affected.
You can speak to our team for free, no-obligation legal advice about claiming for a data breach now.