94% of individuals are concerned that organisations are selling their personal details to other organisations without permission say the ICO. 

Research published in the UK this week by the Information Commissioner’s Office has shown that individuals’ awareness of their rights under the Data Protection Act has reached an all time high.

The research highlights how protecting personal information is becoming an increasing concern for many individuals.

Nine out of ten adults worry that organisations are failing to keep their personal information secure while six in ten believe they have lost control over the way their personal information is collected and processed. The research also shows that 94% of individuals are concerned that organisations are selling their personal details to other organisations without permission.

People now consider protecting their personal information as the second most socially important issue above the NHS, national security and environmental issues.

The nationwide survey reveals that 87% of individuals know they have the right to correct inaccurate personal information held about them – a 10% increase from three years ago. Ninety per cent of individuals know that they have a right to see information that an organisation holds about them compared to 74% three years ago.

Information Commissioner Richard Thomas said: “It is encouraging that so many people are now aware of their rights under the Data Protection Act and are taking the protection of their personal information more seriously.

“Organisations also have a responsibility to ensure customer information is protected. High standards of security and records management will ensure that companies and public authorities retain the trust and confidence of those who use their services.

“While the majority of organisations process personal information appropriately this research highlights the need for all organisations, large and small, to process customers’ information securely. By failing to keep personal information secure, organisations not only risk losing the trust of their customers but they also risk enforcement action by my Office.”

The full research is available at www.ico.gov.uk.