Commercial Contracts

Data Protection and Freedom of Information

If your business processes personal data, you must ensure that you are fully aware of your rights and obligations in relation to data protection and freedom of information. We can assist you in this dynamic and complex area of law.

For individuals and businesses in the UK, there is an increased awareness of issues surrounding privacy and security.  IT systems are continually becoming more complex and capable, with an ever increasing capacity to store and manipulate data.  In turn, this increases the potential risks arising from the loss or misuse of such data.

We advise businesses on data protection risks and provide workable solutions.  This is important in both your own business and when outsourcing.Data protection policies and consent wording may be required as will agreements with third party data processors.

If you find yourself in breach of the Data Protection Act, we can advise on mitigating against the potential adverse consequences.  You may need to consider:

• Whether or not to notify the breach to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) or to the data subjects affected by the breach;
   
• How to deal with ICO investigations;
   
• Contractual issues such as termination of contracts if the breach is due to the acts or omissions of a third party data processor.

In terms of Freedom of Information you may be entering into contracts with public authorities and information about that contract may become the subject of a request for information. We can advise you where there may be such a request for disclosure including how to liaise with the relevant public authority, if the circumstances are such that you feel that the information about your business should not be disclosed.

We are friendly and practical lawyers who can provide you with solid commercial advice but don’t just take our word for it! Take a moment to read what our clients and fellow professionals say about us.