A Breach of Trust

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We are handing over more of our personal data than ever before to local authorities in exchange formore efficient and better targeted service. As part of this deal we expect that the information will be kept secure and those who have access to the information are properly trained. A Breach of Trust shows that between April 2011 and April 2014 there have been at least 4,236data breaches. These findings are part of a wider trend.Local Authority Data Loss, aprevious Big Brother Watch report into data loss by local authorities found that between July 2008 and July 2011 personal data had been lost 1,035 times.1The increase in four years is dramatic. It is not just the number of the breaches which raise concerns, but the lack of proper punishment. Despite more than 400instances of loss or theft, including197mobile phones, computers, tablets and USBs and600 cases where information was inappropriately shared,just a single person has faced criminal sanctions and only 50have been dismissed.

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