Data Claims Services
Public and private organizations hold and process vast amounts of personal data. These entities have a legal obligation to safeguard your information and ensure it is used lawfully and ethically. When these obligations are breached, your rights to privacy and data protection may be at risk.
Our Data Privacy and Technology team is committed to protecting you from the misuse of your personal data by public authorities. We offer expert legal assistance to challenge unlawful practices, leveraging our experience in handling high-profile cases against state entities. For issues involving private organizations, our specialist team is also available to assist.
How Can Public Authorities Mishandle Your Data?
Public authorities must comply with the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act when managing your data. Breaches can occur in various ways, including:
- Sharing Your Data Without Consent: Unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.
- Retaining Data Beyond Permitted Timeframes: Holding onto your information longer than legally allowed.
- Storing Incorrect Information: Keeping inaccurate or outdated data about you.
- Using Data Improperly: Utilizing your data for purposes other than those originally in
Understanding Data Breaches
Data Collection Breaches
Unlawful data collection and surveillance are examples of data breaches. For instance, activists have been targeted by state surveillance technologies like facial recognition systems and GPS tracking, resulting in the unlawful collection of personal data on an unprecedented scale.
Data Retention and Usage Breaches
Your data must only be stored and used for its intended purpose and with your consent. A breach occurs when a public body stores or uses your data without proper authorization or beyond its intended purpose.
Data Loss and Security Breaches
Failure to adequately secure personal data can result in unlawful loss, destruction, or exposure to hackers, constituting a breach.
What Is a Public Authority?
- Police
- Local Authorities (e.g., county councils, district councils, London boroughs)
- NHS Hospitals
- Government Departments (e.g., Secretary of State)
- Fire Services
- Charities performing public functions (e.g., providing care on behalf of a Local Authority)
- Schools
Your Rights and Entitlements
If your data rights have been violated, you may be entitled to:
- Compensation: Covering direct and indirect financial losses, as well as emotional distress caused by the breach.
- Policy Challenges: Challenging public policies that improperly manage personal data. These challenges can lead to systemic reforms.
- Decision Challenges: Contesting unlawful decisions made using your personal data, such as those involving automated decision-making or algorithms. Our experienced team can guide you through judicial review processes.
Funding Your Data Breach Claim
We offer multiple funding options for data breach cases:
- Legal Aid: In certain circumstances, you may qualify for legal aid.
- No Win, No Fee Agreements: You only pay if your case is successful, with legal fees recovered from the responsible authority, ensuring minimal impact on your compensation.
Get in Touch Today
Let our experienced team help you protect your rights and seek justice for data breaches. Get in touch today to discuss your case and explore how we can assist you.