A Newcastle law firm is leading the way in helping businesses avoid potential prosecution by falling foul of the new data protection rules, which are due to come into force in May 2018.
Short Richardson & Forth have added a specialist Data Protection team to their Regulatory Law services. Joining Andrew Swan and Sheila Ramshaw is Partner David Gibson and Trainee Sarah Farish. The team have expanded rapidly due to the imminent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its potential to affect how many businesses are able to use data in the future.
The Regulation, although reflective of the existing data protection law, will have a significant impact for all organisations who deal with data in any form. It is more onerous, not only giving more rights for individuals, but greater enforcement powers to the Information Commissioner. She will have the power to fine up to 10million euros or 2% of an organisation’s worldwide turnover for breaches of the GDPR.
Partner Andrew Swan says, “Although May 2018 sounds a long way off, it is essential to start planning GDPR compliance now and ensure all key personnel in an organisation are prepared. We have been contacted by many organisations asking for us to help them get ready for the GDPR. We are also helping raise awareness through seminars and a suite of workshops, which is why we have had to expand our team”.
In the words of the Information Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham: “There’s a lot in the GDPR you’ll recognise from the current law, but make no mistake, this one’s a game changer for everyone”.
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