In the UK, confidential information is often misused, leading to severe repercussions for those involved.
Whether it’s a breach of data protection laws, or an employee who has shared sensitive company information without permission, the matter should be taken seriously.
So, how can you protect yourself and your business from potential breaches?
What is misuse of confidential information?
Misuse can include theft of private data, intellectual property, trade secrets, and other sensitive information.
Companies are responsible for ensuring their employees understand the importance of keeping confidential information secure and safe from unauthorised access or use.
You must also have policies in place that clearly define what constitutes misuse and how it should be handled when identified.
Failure to do so can leave you vulnerable to legal action.
What happens if private data is abused?
If someone breaches confidentiality, they could face criminal charges under the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA).
The act imposes strict penalties on those who gain unauthorised access to personal data or misuse sensitive data that they possess lawfully.
These penalties include fines of up to £500,000 and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
Furthermore, victims may seek civil damages in court against any person responsible for unlawfully using their private information.
If a claim for misuse of confidential information is successful, the claimant is eligible for either an account of profits or an inquest into damages.
Typically, the defendant should reimburse the claimant for any losses.
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