Intellectual Property Law

Data protection is a hot topic.  The public certainly thinks so now, and the media have definitely picked up on this.  If further proof were needed, a report on the Manchester Evening News site today provides it.

The report reveals that personal data on "more than a thousand" women (it was a women's gym - double whammy) were stuffed in a bin bag and dumped outside for collection with the rest of the garbage.  The data included individuals' contact details and possibly bank information too. It is not known whether any data was lost, but the bag was found torn open. (Right - some bin bags yesterday)

The report gives an ominous quote from someone at the ICO suggesting they are not amused.

What is interesting is that this item is not posted under a special interest heading (the site has its own "Technology" section) but as "News".  The unfortunate gym is named as well as shamed, and its precise location given lest readers be left in any doubt.  This not only reflects a recognition of public interest in data protection, but smacks of rising anger with those in charge of personal data who fail to take care of it.

The message is clear - the public (and if you're in business read that as your customers) are already expecting more from the controllers of their data, and will be less and less tolerant of those derelict in their duty.