Omagh businesses are being encouraged to stay up to date with the latest data protection requirements following new guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
The ICO has refreshed its advice on data protection by design and by default under the Data Use and Access Act (DUAA). The updated guidance was developed with input from small businesses and organisations to make the information clearer, more practical and easier to apply in day-to-day operations.
The changes include simplified language, new real-world examples, and details of a new duty known as ‘Children’s higher protection matters’.
What Omagh businesses need to know
Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), organisations must build data protection into every stage of how they collect, use and store personal information.
Data protection by design means thinking about privacy and security from the very start of any project or service.
Data protection by default means only collecting and using the personal data that is necessary for a specific purpose.
The new ‘Children’s higher protection matters’ duty applies if your service is likely to be accessed by children. Businesses must now consider this when deciding what safeguards to put in place. The change strengthens protections for children’s personal information and helps organisations meet their responsibilities under both the UK GDPR and the DUAA.
What to do next
Omagh businesses should review the updated guidance and check how the DUAA changes apply to their organisation.
It is important to ensure data protection by design and default is applied throughout the lifecycle of your products and services, particularly if they may be used by children.
Keeping up to date with data protection requirements helps build trust with customers and supports the long-term success of your business.
You can read the full design and default guidance on the ICO website.
