Why is data protection important?
Individuals need rights that they can rely on as a counter-balance to some of the excesses or risks of the information society. More generally, privacy is recognised as a fundamental human right and the protection of personal information is essential to our integrity as individuals. Our research shows how much people care about their privacy and the safeguarding of their information – especially after encountering a real threat. Businesses have taken these issues increasingly seriously in recent years, not least recognising the risks to corporate reputation if they get it wrong. This chimes well with my approach of promoting good data protection practice as enlightened self-interest, concentrating on aspects – such as mistaken identity – causing greatest actual or potential detriment.
