Preparing for the Data Protection Act

In preparation for the Data Protection Act, which comes into effect on December 1, the Shipping Industry will provide weekly tidbits to assist the industry’s readiness to become compliant.

With a marked increase in the quantity of data being exchanged online, the need for increased privacy and security has become a major concern. The act is the result of growing fears related to the amount of personal data and similarly sensitive information being processed by companies. It provides guidelines on how personal data should be handled in physical or electronic form.

For perspective, personal data in this context is considered information related to an individual, living or deceased for less than 30 years, which may be used to identify the person from that material alone, or when combined with other information which the data controller may receive.

This includes data such as date of birth, tax registration number, phone number, physical address, and email address.

Under the act, companies which process personal data are required to do so in a secure and confidential manner. Unfortunately, many instances of data breaches are linked to employee ignorance or negligent actions. In the coming weeks, Shipping Industry will share additional information and resources which are necessary to guarantee full compliance under the act.