Four out of five of us are concerned about how our finances or
health and safety will be affected if our personal data falls into
the wrong hands, according to the research published today.
The survey, carried out by research firm SMSR Ltd, shows that
protecting personal information is now regarded as one of the top
three most socially important issues in the UK – ranked only behind
concerns over crime prevention and improving education
standards.
“It may be surprising to some, but it is very significant that
people are so concerned about how their personal information is
handled,” said Information Commissioner Richard Thomas. “No doubt
they are increasingly aware of the dangers of identity theft and
the serious consequences if their health, financial and other
personal records fall into the wrong hands or are otherwise
misused.”
Without prompting, over half (52%) of the 1,000 respondents told
researchers that they were concerned that their personal details
may be passed on to unknown organisations. When prompted, over 80%
expressed concerns about the use, transfer and security of personal
information.
Less than half of respondents thought that bodies collecting
information on customers handled the data fairly or properly or
that the data was sufficiently protected by existing laws and
practices.
The research shows that only 16% of respondents were confident
that internet sites would treat their personal information
properly, and had little more confidence in retailers or telecoms
companies (20%). Thirty percent of respondents were confident in
the abilities of tax and benefit agencies to handle their
information, with the NHS coming top with a confidence rating of
64%.
Fifty-eight percent of respondents thought that individuals have
lost control over the manner in which their information is
collected and processed – up 5% on a similar survey carried out
last year.
“Members of the public can also do a lot to protect their own
information, by only giving it out if they are sure that a request
is genuine and if they know what their information will be used
for,” advised Mr Thomas. “People can also take active steps, such
as shredding personal documents like bank and credit card
statements and bills, and checking statements to ensure that they
recognise all the transactions.”
The Information Commissioner said that he is also concerned
about less obvious risks, such as excessive intrusion or decisions
made on the basis of incorrect or possibly damaging information
that had been held too long by companies.
Individuals can check this information under the Data Protection
Act, which, in general terms, gives people the right to access
information about themselves, and obliges companies holding
information on individuals to comply with certain standards.
According to the research, three-quarters of respondents were
aware, when prompted, that they had the right to see information
held on them, and 84% were aware of the Data Protection Act – down
from 90% last year.
According to the research, most organisations have now
recognised that good data handling benefits their business.
Over 70% of respondents found that they had seen higher levels
of customer trust, information management and risk management as a
result of complying with the Data Protection Act.
Seventy-three percent agreed that compliance brought extra work,
but that it was necessary, while 10% found it a waste of
resources.
“It must be in their own self-interest for organisations to
stick to the key principles of the Data Protection Act, such as
making sure personal information is held securely, that it is
accurate and up to date and that it is used for purposes which
people have been told about,” said Mr Thomas. “Mishandling
information leads to an erosion of trust in public authorities and
businesses.”
