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We focus on the latest news surrounding data breaches, leaks and hacks plus daily internet security articles.
We focus on the latest news surrounding data breaches, leaks and hacks plus daily internet security articles.
A recent data handling error has left thousands of arrest records lost, after they were accidentally deleted from the Police National Computer (PNC).
The mistake represents an extremely severe blow to police operations, which could pose a threat to public safety. While initial statements set the number of lost records at 150,000, it has since been reported that as many as 400,000 crime records could be affected.
As one of our major national institutions, it is worrying to see that the police force has been hit by data loss of this scale. There is no room for such errors in an organisation responsible for protecting so much important information, which is one of its key weapons in detecting and arresting suspects.
A constable at Derbyshire Police has recently faced a misconduct hearing over allegations of unlawfully accessing records of a police incident and then sharing a photo of the file with colleagues.
Although the officer’s actions contravened policing standards and data protection law, he has escaped dismissal and will be allowed to continue serving at Derbyshire Police.
Regardless of the verdict of the hearing, a breach such as this should never have occurred at all. Testaments to the officer’s reportedly “excellent” work as an officer do not erase his culpability for what has been regarded as an incredibly reckless action. As an organisation with access to extensive personal data, the police service has a vital duty to be rigorous in data protection and we should all feel safe that our information with them is secure. Our trust in the police should never be abused.
The Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Tony Porter, has recently spoken of his concerns regarding the technology used by local councils and the police to monitor public movements.
As the government watchdog designed to ensure government compliance with the surveillance camera code of practice, it is worrying that the commissioner believes the restrictions on local authorities may not be sufficient.
In particular, Mr Porter reportedly warned that the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras is unregulated by central government, likening their usage to MI5 tracking. In fact, the security services are subject to much tighter restrictions, while the level of surveillance led by councils and the police appears to be going under the radar.
At Your Lawyers – The Data Leak Lawyers – we always advocate for personal privacy, so it is worrying that the government may be unnecessarily storing data and information pertaining to members of the public.
A member of staff at the West Mercia Police has reportedly resigned after breaching the force’s data protection regulations.
Although the staff member in question had elected to leave her position before her misconduct hearing was held, it appears that she would have had no choice but to go in any event, as the investigation concluded that the offence necessitated dismissal.
The incident is understood to have involved the employee sharing information inappropriately with a member of the public. This was done so without authorisation and without a necessary policing reason for releasing such data.
Taking advantage of the police database for personal use can amount to an extreme breach of privacy and an abuse of power by the individual accessing the information.
Accessing the police database for personal use means that the person who is accessing personal and sensitive data does not have the authority or right to do so, and it may not relate to any past or active cases of the individual.
In many cases, the data breach victim is known to the employee and it is a case of data snooping. Data breaches of this nature can be severe and may involve someone the police officer has a negative relationship with, meaning the risks can be significant. Under no circumstances should staff abuse the police database for personal use. If they do, and you have been a victim of a data breach of this nature, you could be eligible to make a data breach compensation claim with the Data Leak Lawyers today.
As a leading firm of UK data breach compensation lawyers, we are incredibly concerned to learn of the Greater Manchester Police data breach that may affect thousands of victims of serious crime.
Representing thousands of clients for No Win, No Fee compensation cases for individual claims and in over 45 group action matters, our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those whose personal and sensitive information has been exposed or misused. We have seen how damaging a leak like this can be, and we have settled serious privacy compensation claims having been specialising in this area of law for over the last six years.
If you have been affected by this incident, we may be able to help you.
Cases where the police accessing confidential information has amounted to a data breach is not something that anyone should take lightly, and victims do have rights.
The police service and its employees will have access to a great deal of personal and sensitive data to be able to do their jobs. Access to police computer networks and files on investigations and criminal records is a requirement for many. However, like anyone else, the police and its employees must still comply with important data laws and the GDPR. Access and use of information should only be carried out when there is authority and purpose to do so.
If someone does breach data protection laws at the police service, do not worry about having no rights because you are going up against law enforcement. You do have rights, and we may be able to help you. We may also be able to offer No Win, No Fee representation for a legal case.
Victims of a data breach that involves police computer misuse can be entitled to claim data breach compensation, and we may be able to offer No Win, No Fee representation.
No one is above the law, and you have rights. With our expertise and specialism in the niche and complex area of law, you don’t need to worry about going up against the authorities for a legal case. We may be able to represent you and we will fight for your rights to justice if your privacy has been abused.
As a leading firm of data breach specialists, we are your voice for justice. Here’s how we may be able to help you.
Here’s a question that we can answer – can the ICO investigate the police? If they can, how do people get the justice that they deserve as a victim of a data breach?
The reason we’re approaching this is because a lot of people are unsure when it comes to what rights they have for complaints and issues with the police. Some people feel that there’s no one to turn to when a wrong has been committed by the very service that’s there to enforce the law.
But the police are not above the law. Although many of us can be thankful for their hard work and for putting their own lives on the line for our safety, they must still comply with the law. This includes the Data Protection Act, and the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) can get involved.
We represent victims for police breach data protection breach compensation claims, and we can offer No Win, No Fee arrangements for cases that we can take forward.
Although we can be thankful for the hard work and bravery of many officers of the law, it’s important to remember that the police are not above the law. This includes officers, senior staff, and administration and support employees. Anyone employed within the police service is subject to the same rules as everyone else, and the Data Protection Act and the GDPR apply.
If you have been affected by a leak, breach or hack involving the police, you should speak to our team for free, no-obligation advice. We’re data compensation experts with a proven track record of settling claims, with thousands of people having come to us for our specialist advice and legal representation.
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