Companies do not have to report data loses

The UK Information Commissioners Office (ICO) has stated that there are no plans to force companies and organisation to disclose to the authorities any data losses, no matter how large or potentially harmful.

According to the ICO, it is best for all concerned that organisations report any data loss and that measures are in place to stop any further breaches of security happening, but they will not be policed.

The reason behind this is that any change in the law could have long term effects on the future handling of data.

Currently it would be down to a company to notify the authorities and those concerned should such an occurrence happen.

This is different for Ireland where breaches are expected to be announced whenever they affect more than a hundred individuals.