Between the implementation of the GDPR and a frenzy of high-profile data breaches, this past year has strengthened public concern over personal data protection and misuse. Not to mention, now that the public has more rights regarding the details of their personal data collection, processing and use, they are more likely to join in the efforts to hold organisations accountable for their mistakes.

In the ICO’s 2018 Information Rights Survey, data revealed a range of public opinions surrounding organisations’ use of their personal data. The main research findings include the following:

• Improvements in overall trust and confidence—The amount of people who trust businesses with their personal data has risen slightly since 2017. Specifically, the proportion of the public that places high trust in companies storing and using their data has significantly increased—from 21% in 2017 to 34% in 2018. But, it’s important to note that despite this change, the amount of people that possess low trust in these practices remains greater.
• Technology troubles—The data revealed that the public is divided on whether or not organisations protect their personal data from technology risks. Alongside this suspicion, the public said their biggest concern when organisations use their personal data is the risk of personal information being stolen by criminals.
• GDPR support—Although the survey found that public awareness of the GDPR varies considerably, more work is being done to increase awareness about the regulation than the Data Protection Act did in the past. A majority of the public agrees that it’s important to protect any personal information they share, and almost 20% of adults feel they have a good understanding of how their personal data is used and made available by UK organisations (an 8% increase from last year). Lastly, there has been a significant rise in people seeking information from public bodies, like the ICO, following the GDPR.
• Room for concern—Despite improvements in overall trust and confidence, suspicion and concern remain prevalent in the realm of data collection. The survey found over 50% of people are still concerned about automated decision-making. Not to mention, the proportion of people stating that they or a close family member have heard about a data breach has risen. In addition to these concerns, nearly 80% of people felt that if an organisation who used their data suffered a data breach, then that company should be held responsible for the loss.

Contact the expert team at Lockyers to review your business and cyber liability insurance.