The U.K. Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a press release yesterday calling on companies to undergo more data protection audits.  (Currently, only some public sector entities in the UK can be made to undergo audits — the ICO can effectively only request to audit a private sector company).  The ICO issued the “warning” after releasing new figures that show that the private sector was responsible for almost a third of all data breaches in 2010/2011, and that only 19% of private sector organisations voluntarily accepted to undergo audits by the ICO (compared to 71% in the public sector).  The Information Commissioner Christopher Graham proceeded to single out lenders and direct marketing companies as the worst culprits, saying that “many of them are still resisting our offer to undergo audits.”

The ICO also released new figures about the progress of such audits, which show that the ICO performed 26 audits in 2010/2011 — a 60% increase on the previous year.  The figures also reveal that over 90% of ICO recommendations were acted upon following an audit.

Additionally, the ICO released its full Annual Report and held an online webcast and Q & A session on its annual performance.  While further questions can still be submitted, one colourful answer by the Commissioner regarding the new cookie rules (see our previous posts here, here and here) has already been published:  “Website operators”, he said, “[should] take their ‘consent’ obligations seriously under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations — because I’ll be after them if they don’t.”

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Photo of Mark Young Mark Young

Mark Young, an experienced tech regulatory lawyer, advises major global companies on their most challenging data privacy compliance matters and investigations.

Mark also leads on EMEA cybersecurity matters at the firm. He advises on evolving cyber-related regulations, and helps clients respond to…

Mark Young, an experienced tech regulatory lawyer, advises major global companies on their most challenging data privacy compliance matters and investigations.

Mark also leads on EMEA cybersecurity matters at the firm. He advises on evolving cyber-related regulations, and helps clients respond to incidents, including personal data breaches, IP and trade secret theft, ransomware, insider threats, and state-sponsored attacks.

Mark has been recognized in Chambers UK for several years as “a trusted adviser – practical, results-oriented and an expert in the field;” “fast, thorough and responsive;” “extremely pragmatic in advice on risk;” and having “great insight into the regulators.”

Drawing on over 15 years of experience advising global companies on a variety of tech regulatory matters, Mark specializes in:

  • Advising on potential exposure under GDPR and international data privacy laws in relation to innovative products and services that involve cutting-edge technology (e.g., AI, biometric data, Internet-enabled devices, etc.).
  • Providing practical guidance on novel uses of personal data, responding to individuals exercising rights, and data transfers, including advising on Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) and compliance challenges following Brexit and Schrems II.
    Helping clients respond to investigations by data protection regulators in the UK, EU and globally, and advising on potential follow-on litigation risks.
  • GDPR and international data privacy compliance for life sciences companies in relation to:
    clinical trials and pharmacovigilance;

    • digital health products and services; and
    • marketing programs.
    • International conflict of law issues relating to white collar investigations and data privacy compliance.
  • Cybersecurity issues, including:
    • best practices to protect business-critical information and comply with national and sector-specific regulation;
      preparing for and responding to cyber-based attacks and internal threats to networks and information, including training for board members;
    • supervising technical investigations; advising on PR, engagement with law enforcement and government agencies, notification obligations and other legal risks; and representing clients before regulators around the world; and
    • advising on emerging regulations, including during the legislative process.
  • Advising clients on risks and potential liabilities in relation to corporate transactions, especially involving companies that process significant volumes of personal data (e.g., in the adtech, digital identity/anti-fraud, and social network sectors.)
  • Providing strategic advice and advocacy on a range of EU technology law reform issues including data privacy, cybersecurity, ecommerce, eID and trust services, and software-related proposals.
  • Representing clients in connection with references to the Court of Justice of the EU.