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Data Protection Act 1998
Established as a European Directive in 1995 this legislation is now in effect. Placing the responsibility for compliance on the shoulders of management.
The maximum penalty if a breach occurs is £5,000.00 fine and a criminal record. Many directors belong to professional organisations which bar membership if you have a criminal record.
This act will affect the way you process information about your customers, competitors and even employees etc. Total Surveillance Group fully understand the issues associated with the introduction and maintenance of the Data Protection Act 1998 and has put together an information area based on the guidance Documentation provided on the Information Commissioner's Website.
Our own data protection plan comprises of six areas:
· Management Awareness.
· Personnel Training.
· Regular Audits of Data being held.
· A Mutual Compliance Program with any Associates.
· Registration Profiling.
· Continual Monitoring of Compliance.
The Data Protection Act poses a potential risk for all businesses in the United Kingdom. However, it is not insurmountable but it does require commitment from both Management and employees in order to avoid the pitfalls and potential penalties of non-compliance.