The ICO is calling for more evidence after research it commissioned, revealed that 29% of 18-34-year-olds received unwanted contact after giving their personal information to a business.
Surely charities cannot be a part of these disturbing statistics, but can we be sure? Well, with clear policies and procedures that describe complaint behaviour, training and regular review, we can certainly reduce the risks.
Emily Keaney, Deputy Commissioner, Regulatory Policy at the Information Commissioner’s Office is quoted as saying:
“There may be, amongst some, an outdated notion that to use someone’s personal details given to you in a business context to ask them out is romantic or charming. Put quite simply, it is not – it is against the law.”
You can read the full ICO blog at https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2023/08/one-in-three-young-people-falling-prey-to-text-pests-as-ico-calls-for-victims-to-come-forward/.
And if you are not sure that you have everything in place to prevent this happening where you work, get in touch using the links below for an informal conversation on how to start.