From 24th October, every UK business must comply with the Data
Protection Act 1998 or they risk a fine and, potentially much more
costly, an order to stop using their databases. Almost every
business will be affected, even, for example, those operating a web
site which only collects the e-mail addresses of users.
Peter MacIntyre, an information lawyer with OUT-LAW.COM,
commented:
"Increasingly, businesses are recognising
information as an asset of great value. However, if a business does
not comply with the Act when processing personal information, the
information can be forcibly taken away from it by the courts.
"For example, if a web site did not provide
a suitable data proteciton notice when users first registered their
details with the site, it could be forced to delete its databases,
face criminal prosecution and have to re-collect data from scratch.
Doing so could be a practical and financial nightmare."
