Overview

You must follow rules on data protection if your business stores or uses personal information.

This applies to information kept on staff, customers and account holders, for example when you:

  • recruit staff
  • manage staff records
  • market your products or services
  • use CCTV

This could include:

  • keeping customers’ addresses on file
  • recording staff working hours
  • giving delivery information to a delivery company

For information on direct marketing, see marketing and advertising: the law.

Data protection rules

You must make sure the information is kept secure, accurate and up to date.

When you collect someone’s personal data you must tell them who you are and how you’ll use their information, including if it’s being shared with other organisations.

You must also tell them that they have the right to:

  • see any information you hold about them and correct it if it’s wrong
  • request their data is deleted
  • request their data is not used for certain purposes

The main data protection rules are set out in the data protection principles.

What you have to do

You must:

You could be given a heavy fine or made to pay compensation if you misuse personal data.