Concerns surrounding data and privacy abound in today’s multi-connected world, and will be undoubtedly more common place over coming decades with the exponential growth of digital data capture, analysis and even as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more prominent.

Peoples’ social media activity and search engines queries are mined to gather information to use for marketing and advertising purposes. Email addresses are regularly sold to third parties or used by a group of entities, only one of which was originally entrusted with the email address by the owner.

In addition, the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 provides sweeping powers to authorities to hack into computers, networks, mobile devices, and servers in specific circumstances.

Providing specialist advice on confidentiality and privacy in relation to data

At Big Data Law, our solicitors can advise you on how to create policies and procedures to ensure you organisation complies with the Data Protection Act 1998 and incoming General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

If your confidentiality and/or privacy has been breached, we can provide swift, robust representation. Actions we can pursue include injunctions to lock-down any privacy breach to contain harm to your business and/or reputation and seeking damages to compensate for any financial loss.

Big Data and privacy

Gartner IT glossary defines big data as:

“…high-volume, high-velocity and high-variety information assets that demand cost-effective, innovative forms of information processing for enhanced insight and decision making.”

The privacy element of collecting and managing data that is “high-volume, high-velocity and high-variety,” poses an ongoing challenge. The privacy of research subjects can be protected by a combination of approaches: limiting the data collected; altering data to be less disclosive; and regulating access to data. But big data can challenge these existing procedures.

Our team partner with organisations, setting up systems to help manage the privacy of individuals. We can also conduct audits on your policies and procedures to ensure our continued compliance with fast-changing domestic and international rules and regulations.

To speak to one of our specialist advisors, please email us at info@bigdatalaw.co.uk.