Fears over data protection make people more cautious

by Staff, Brand Republic 20-Mar-08, 14:25

LONDON - People are taking more care over their personal information, with more people checking bank statements on a regular basis and refusing to give out personal details wherever possible.

Research published by the Information Commissioner's Office shows that 88% of people check their bank statements more carefully, and that three-quarters say that they worry more than ever about the safety of personal information.

More than half say they no longer have confidence in the way organisations such as banks, local authorities and government departments handle personal information.

The ICO is urging people to use rights given under the Data Protection Act to ensure that organisations are using proper protection practices. It has published a checklist of questions to ask before giving out data.

David Smith, deputy commissioner at the ICO, said: "Taking care of our personal information has never been so important and, as the research shows, the majority of us are now much more aware of the value of our personal details.

"As more and more personal information is collected, the risk grows that some information will be inaccurate, out of date or end up in the wrong hands."