Speaking at last week’s Annual Privacy conference in London, Chris Graham, the new UK Information Commissioner, made it clear that he was going after companies that do not comply with UK privacy laws. In his first public speech since becoming Information Commissioner Graham made it clear that he would be “naming and shaming” companies that fail to comply with the Law. He pointed out that data privacy and information security are now “top of the media agenda”.

Graham explained that with the new increase in registration fees the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) now had the financial resources and the skilled personnel it needs to raise the level of compliance in the UK. And with new powers being given to the ICO in the forthcoming Coroners and Justice Bill, he fully intends to use them to maximum effect. He said: “we’re going to have the resources to go after the bad boys – there’s a well-funded regulator that will hit you hard if you get it wrong…….. if you don’t take this stuff seriously its going to bite you in the bum”.

While ruling out “random raids”, Graham made it clear that he would not hesistate to act against companies that break the law. “If you breach the law you’re going to be in trouble. It (compliance with data privacy law) isn’t a nice to have – it’s the law of the land. You will destroy brand value and reputation (by ignoring it)".

You have been warned ………