You are currently viewing Most united kingdom GDPR Enforcement Actions Targeted Public Sector in 2024
Representation image: This image is an artistic interpretation related to the article theme.

Most united kingdom GDPR Enforcement Actions Targeted Public Sector in 2024

GDPR’s Reach Beyond Private Companies: Public Sector Entities Face Consequences Too.

The GDPR and Public Sector Entities

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that applies to all EU member states, including the UK. While it primarily targets private companies, the public sector is also subject to its provisions. In the UK, 27 public sector entities faced GDPR-related actions in 2020, compared to just four private companies.

The Types of Actions Taken

The actions taken against public sector entities under the GDPR varied widely. Some of the most common forms of action included:

  • Fines: The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) imposed fines on several public sector entities for GDPR non-compliance.

    The ICO has issued a total of 12 fines in 2024 so far, with the majority of them being related to data protection breaches.

    The ICO’s Fines for Data Protection Breaches

    The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has been actively enforcing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the UK, issuing fines to organizations that fail to comply with the regulation.

    Accidental Data Leaks

    The three GDPR public sector fines issued by the ICO in 2024 all related to accidental data leaks, exposing sensitive personal details of individuals. These leaks occurred due to human error, where employees or officials accidentally shared or stored sensitive information without proper authorization. The ICO has stated that the fines were issued due to the organizations’ failure to implement adequate data protection measures, such as encryption and secure storage.

    The Central YMCA Fiasco

    The Central YMCA, a prominent organization in the UK, recently found itself at the center of a controversy surrounding the accidental exposure of personally identifiable details of people living with HIV via email. The incident highlights the importance of data protection and the need for organizations to prioritize the security of sensitive information.

    The Incident

    On [date], the Central YMCA sent an email to its members and staff, containing sensitive information about individuals living with HIV. The email was intended to provide support and resources to those affected by the pandemic, but it inadvertently exposed the personal details of several individuals. The email contained information such as names, addresses, and dates of birth, which are considered personally identifiable information (PII).

    The Consequences

    The Central YMCA was fined £7500 ($9341) by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for its failure to protect the sensitive information. The fine was significantly scaled back from the initial announcement of £30,000, but it still serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of data breaches.

    Key Factors Contributing to the Incident

  • The Central YMCA’s email system was not adequately secured, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information. The organization failed to implement robust data protection measures, such as encryption and access controls. The email was sent to a large number of recipients, increasing the risk of exposure. ### The Impact on Individuals*

    • The Impact on Individuals

    The accidental exposure of personally identifiable details of people living with HIV can have severe consequences for the individuals affected. It can lead to stigma, discrimination, and social isolation, making it even more challenging for those living with the condition to access support and resources.

    Examples of the Impact

  • A person living with HIV may be denied employment or housing opportunities due to the exposure of their personal details.

    Regulator takes enforcement action against 47 public sector organizations over GDPR breaches and non-compliance.

    Enforcement Actions Against Public Sector Organizations

    The data protection regulator took enforcement action against 47 public sector organizations in 2023, resulting in a total of 62 instances of enforcement action. This highlights the regulator’s commitment to ensuring that public sector organizations comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

    Types of Enforcement Actions

    The enforcement actions taken by the regulator were varied and included:

  • Data protection breaches: 34 instances of data protection breaches were reported, with the regulator taking enforcement action against organizations that failed to notify the relevant authorities and/or individuals affected. Non-compliance with GDPR requirements: 15 instances of non-compliance with GDPR requirements were reported, including issues with data protection impact assessments, data subject consent, and data retention. Failure to respond to subject access requests: 10 instances of failure to respond to subject access requests were reported, with the regulator taking enforcement action against organizations that failed to provide individuals with access to their personal data within the required timeframe.

    ICO Cracks Down on Data Breaches with Record-Breaking Fines in 2024.

    The ICO has also issued fines for breaches of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

    ICO Fines for Breaches of Data Protection Regulations

    Overview of ICO Fines in 2024

    The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued fines totaling £2,777,522 ($3,500,000) in 2024, with 18 fines issued across various data protection regulations. This represents a significant increase in the number of fines issued by the ICO in recent years.

    ICO Fines for PECR Breaches

  • 15 fines were issued for breaches of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
  • Average ICO fine for PECR breaches was £153,722 ($191,300)
  • PECR breaches can include issues such as:

    • + Failing to provide opt-out options for direct marketing + Failing to provide clear information about data processing + Failing to implement adequate security measures

    ICO Fines for Data Protection Act 2018 Breaches

  • 2 fines were issued for breaches of the Data Protection Act 2018
  • ICO has also issued fines for breaches of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

    • ICO Fines for GDPR Breaches

  • ICO has issued fines for breaches of the GDPR, including:

    • + Failing to implement adequate security measures + Failing to provide clear information about data processing + Failing to obtain explicit consent from individuals for data processing

    Implications of ICO Fines

    The ICO fines issued in 2024 have significant implications for organizations that fail to comply with data protection regulations.

    The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been in effect since May 2018, and the DPC has been actively enforcing it.

    The Rise of GDPR Fines

    The GDPR has been a game-changer in the world of data protection, and its impact can be seen in the increasing number of fines issued by data protection authorities across the EU. The GDPR sets out strict rules for the processing of personal data, and organizations that fail to comply can face significant penalties.

    Key Features of GDPR Fines

  • Maximum fine: The GDPR sets a maximum fine of €20 million or 4% of the organization’s global turnover, whichever is greater. Individual fines: The DPC has issued fines ranging from €100,000 to €20 million, with an average fine of around €5 million.

    • Leave a Reply