- Data Protection
Shorter Reads
British Airways is today facing a record fine of £183m for a data breach in June 2018, one month after the GDPR came into force.
1 minute read
Published 8 July 2019
The fine represents 1.5% of its 2017 worldwide turnover, and whilst below the maximin possible 4% fines represents the largest single fine handed down by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Patrick Wheeler, Partner and Head of Intellectual Property and Data Protection at Collyer Bristow said: “The first anniversary of the GDPR passed on 25 May and we are only now seeing the ICO beginning to issue fines on breaches they have been investigating for several months. If businesses were feeling complacent about their GDPR obligations, thinking that nothing was going to happen, this record fine should serve as a wake-up call.
“We were expecting the ICO to hand down some pretty hefty fines to coincide with the first GDPR anniversary and it has now started to do so. The ICO has shown that it takes its regulatory responsibilities protecting the interests of data subjects very seriously and also that it wants businesses to work hard to comply.
“The fine imposed on British Airways may be the first, but it will not be the last: several large commercial and public sector entities will all be in the ICO’s spotlight.”
Businesses faced with a data breach are reminded that they must:
Patrick Wheeler is available for interview. He can be reached by email: Patrick.wheeler@collyerbristow.com.
Related content
Shorter Reads
British Airways is today facing a record fine of £183m for a data breach in June 2018, one month after the GDPR came into force.
Published 8 July 2019
The fine represents 1.5% of its 2017 worldwide turnover, and whilst below the maximin possible 4% fines represents the largest single fine handed down by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Patrick Wheeler, Partner and Head of Intellectual Property and Data Protection at Collyer Bristow said: “The first anniversary of the GDPR passed on 25 May and we are only now seeing the ICO beginning to issue fines on breaches they have been investigating for several months. If businesses were feeling complacent about their GDPR obligations, thinking that nothing was going to happen, this record fine should serve as a wake-up call.
“We were expecting the ICO to hand down some pretty hefty fines to coincide with the first GDPR anniversary and it has now started to do so. The ICO has shown that it takes its regulatory responsibilities protecting the interests of data subjects very seriously and also that it wants businesses to work hard to comply.
“The fine imposed on British Airways may be the first, but it will not be the last: several large commercial and public sector entities will all be in the ICO’s spotlight.”
Businesses faced with a data breach are reminded that they must:
Patrick Wheeler is available for interview. He can be reached by email: Patrick.wheeler@collyerbristow.com.
Need some more information? Make an enquiry below.
Subscribe
Please add your details and your areas of interest below
Article contributor
Partner - Head of IP & Data Protection
Specialising in Intellectual property disputes, Data protection, Digital, Intellectual property and Manufacturing
Enjoy reading our articles? why not subscribe to notifications so you’ll never miss one?
Subscribe to our articlesPlease note that Collyer Bristow provides this service during office hours for general information and enquiries only and that no legal or other professional advice will be provided over the WhatsApp platform. Please also note that if you choose to use this platform your personal data is likely to be processed outside the UK and EEA, including in the US. Appropriate legal or other professional opinion should be taken before taking or omitting to take any action in respect of any specific problem. Collyer Bristow LLP accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on information provided. All information will be deleted immediately upon completion of a conversation.
Close