Does data protection do more harm than good?
No, of course not. Data protection has a mixed reputation, not just for its complexity. Too often there are perceptions that it stops people doing sensible things – such as responsible information-sharing about vulnerable children and adults. These perceptions are nearly always mistaken, but they are real. It has become too easy to blame data protection. We need to show how data protection regulates flows of information in the interests of individuals, only stopping them altogether for good reason. This is a major challenge requiring more guidance, codes of practice and other initiatives. We must – and will – challenge the myths. Changes to the law are also needed, not least to make it clearer that privacy and data protection are not absolutes and that personal information can be processed or disclosed where that is necessary for public protection, rights and freedoms.
