DEVON companies are being warned they could face fines of up to �500,000 for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act when new laws are introduced.
DEVON companies are being warned they could face fines of up to �500,000 for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act when new laws are introduced.
Local businesses could be penalised by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) when news powers come into effect on April 6.
Tony Welford, partner with regional legal firm Stephens Scown, with offices in Exeter, said: "This is a really significant development in legislation which will impact upon all companies across the region, whatever their size.
"Small businesses will also be affected and now is the time for them to start planning ahead and thinking about the ways in which they store and use their data.
"Poor computer security systems generally, the loss of a laptop with unencrypted information or sending a mass email with the wrong attachment are all good examples of serious breaches of data protection."
For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk or call 01872 265100.
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