24/10/2017
Websites failing to explain how they handle personal data (UK)
The majority of the world’s websites fail to explain to their visitors what happens to the personal data they provide, concludes a study led by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office and conducted by 24 data regulators *.
‘GPEN Sweep 2017: User Controls over Personal information’ assessed the privacy notices, communications and practices of 455 websites and apps to consider whether it was made clear to users exactly
- what information was collected
- for what purpose
- how it would be processed and shared
Websites in retail, finance and banking, travel, social media, gaming/gambling, education and health were covered in the survey, which assessed their performance in the following areas
- collection and use of data
- storage and security of data
- sharing of data
- deletion of data
- accessibility of data
Overall, the main conclusions were that
- privacy communications across the various sectors tended to be vague, lacked specific detail and often contained generic clauses
- the majority of organisations failed to inform the user what would happen to their information once it had been provided
- organisations were generally quite clear on what information they would collect from the user – but generally failed to specify with whom data would be shared
- many organisations failed to refer to the security of the data collected and held – it was often unclear in which country data was stored or whether any safeguards were in place
- just over half the organisations examined made reference to how users could access the personal data held about them
* The regulators are members of the ‘Global Privacy Enforcement Network’ which was established in 2010 on the recommendation of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to foster cross-border co-operation among privacy regulators in an increasingly global market. It comprises more than 60 privacy enforcement authorities in 39 jurisdictions around the world.
The Credit Protection Association is a credit management company established in 1914. If you supply goods or services on credit then we can help you!
Keep up to date with the latest news by following us on social media:-
What can CPA do for you?
Read our blog – The Hidden cost of slower payers.
Read Our Blog – How to overcome common excuses for non-payment
Read our blog – Debt collection agency
Read our Cash Flow Advice
Read about our overdue account recovery service
Read our blog – What is credit management?
Read our blog -What is a credit management company?
Read our blog -Credit Management that works!
Read our blog – How to select a debt collection agency
click to see read about our successes
Please call us on 0330 053 9263 to discuss how CPA can help your cashflow. Alternatively, either email us or use our contact form.