Data Protection – Google in hot water
Google has been fined 145,000 euros (£125,000) for “one of the biggest known data protection violations in history”.
It follows investigations launched a year ago by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK and authorities across Europe into Google’s privacy policy which did not provide users with the right to opt out of their data being shared across different services.
The case underlines the importance of all organisations, large and small, abiding by data protection rules.
The German data regulator which imposed the fine admitted the amount was “totally inadequate” as a deterrent for a company the size of Google but a fine of any size could have a significant impact on a small or medium sized business.
For recruiters, data protection impacts upon;
- the information you receive from a candidate
- how and for how long you hold this information
- whether you can pass this information on to third parties and
- the purposes for which this data is held.
This investigation into Google shows that the ICO and other authorities are not afraid to challenge bad practice, even from large organisations and market leaders such as Google.
Theresa Mimnagh, Associate Director at Lawspeed said;
“Many business do not realise how important it is to have an effective data protection policy. For instance using candidate details without their formal consent could open you up to investigation.”
Lawspeed can help you in this area to ensure that you are data protection compliant.
Call 01273 236 236 or email [email protected]
Adrian, a highly experienced lawyer, founded Lawspeed in 1997. He is responsible for developing our extensive portfolio of products and services, including the widely used Lawspeed contract templates. Adrian is an expert on “recruitment law” and specialises in contracts, regulatory compliance, employment status and dispute handling. He is chair of the trade body the Association of Recruitment Consultancies, the only lawyer lead recruitment trade body in the UK. Adrian and his co-director Ravi devised Standards in Recruitment as a vehicle for helping drive up standards and compliance in the industry.
Adrian is our lead in discussions with the government over regulatory evolution. Apart from assisting with client support, Adrian’s primary role is research and development into methods of business delivery, our latest service Proterms being his most recent project. Adrian heads our IR35 lawyers team.