Data Protection

Data protection is the safeguarding of the privacy rights of individuals in relation to the processing of personal data.

The Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 confers rights and responsibilities on companies and organisations processing personal data.

Personal data protection includes our interactions with public and private sector organisations such as:

• Applications
• Purchases and transactions in State services
• Business and economic matters
• In the social and medical areas
• In the workplace
• In the globalised technological arena

A person has a right to access and correct data about themselves. Therefore, organisations who keep data about individuals must comply with data protection rules.

Seeking Data Protection Advice

All companies and organisations are required to obey Data Protection legislation and draft company policies that match with current legislative provisions.

Healy O’Connor Solicitors LLP provides legal advice in relation to the drafting of company policies to ensure Data Protection Compliance.

If a company or organisation fails to comply with data protection legislation, the maximum fine for a summary conviction is set at €3,000 or for a conviction of indictment, the maximum penalty is a fine of €100,000.

In addition to this, failure to comply with data protection legislation can cause a loss of consumer trust and loyalty, with a company’s brand suffering as a result.

For more information, please email info@hoc.ie or freephone 1800 54 54 54.