Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/94647
Title: The UK 2007–2008 data protection fiasco : moving on from bad policy and bad law?
Authors: Cannataci, Joseph A.
Mifsud Bonnici, Jeanne Pia
Keywords: Data protection -- Law and legislation -- England
Privacy, Right of -- England
Computer security -- England
Issue Date: 2009
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Citation: Cannataci, J. A., & Bonnici, J. P. M. (2009). The UK 2007–2008 data protection fiasco: Moving on from bad policy and bad law?. International Review of Law, Computers & Technology, 23(1-2), 47-76.
Abstract: A number of commentators were not surprised when the news broke in November 2007 that the personal data of 25 million UK citizens had been lost. This is because Information and Data Protection Commissioners around Europe had been meeting and comparing notes every year for a quarter of a century, during which period the lack of privacy culture in both public and private sector organisations had long been noted. This lack of privacy culture is exacerbated by data protection laws often setting up relatively toothless watchdogs. The UK was a classic example of the minimalist approach to data protection with the Commissioner being required to give prior notice of inspections. The UK Commissioner had long lamented that his organisation simply did not have the teeth to carry out inspections without warning. Following the November fiasco, the UK Commissioner received a commitment from Government that his powers would be increased but is this enough? This paper explores the limitations of law in such circumstances and especially how, even if the law is adequate, policy priorities or mistakes may be such so as to deny a data protection authority effective teeth through more bad law as well as inadequate funding for resources.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/94647
Appears in Collections:Scholarly Works - FacMKSIPGU

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