Data Protection (GDPR)

Data protection compliance is mandatory for all UK businesses processing personal data. GDPR violations can result in fines of up to 4% of global turnover, making expert legal guidance essential for protecting your business.

What Our Data Protection Solicitors Can Help With

• GDPR Compliance Audits: Comprehensive assessment of current data protection practices
• Privacy Policies & Notices: GDPR-compliant privacy policies and data processing notices
• Data Breach Response: 72-hour breach notification and damage limitation strategies
• Data Subject Rights: Handling access requests, erasure rights and data portability
• Data Protection Impact Assessments: DPIA preparation for high-risk processing activities
• International Data Transfers: Adequacy decisions, binding corporate rules and standard contractual clauses
• Marketing Compliance: PECR compliance for email marketing and cookies
• Data Protection Officer Services: DPO appointment and ongoing compliance support

Understanding GDPR Requirements

Key GDPR Principles:

• Lawfulness: Valid legal basis for all data processing
• Purpose Limitation: Data used only for specified purposes
• Data Minimisation: Collecting only necessary personal data
• Accuracy: Keeping personal data accurate and up-to-date
• Storage Limitation: Retaining data only as long as necessary
• Security: Appropriate technical and organisational measures

Data Subject Rights:

• Right to be informed about data processing
• Right of access to personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Rights related to automated decision-making

Data Breach Management

72-Hour Notification Requirement:

• Identify and contain the breach immediately
• Assess likelihood of harm to individuals
• Notify ICO within 72 hours if high risk
• Document all decisions and actions taken
• Notify affected individuals if high risk to rights
• Review and improve security measures

Breach Response Costs:

• Emergency breach response: £5,000-£15,000
• ICO investigation defence: £10,000-£50,000
• Individual compensation claims: £500-£5,000 per person
• Regulatory fines: Up to 4% of global turnover

International Data Transfers

Post-Brexit data transfer requirements:

• UK to EU transfers: Adequacy decision in place until reviewed
• EU to UK transfers: Standard contractual clauses required
• Third country transfers: Adequacy decisions or appropriate safeguards
• Binding corporate rules: For multinational group companies
• Transfer risk assessments: Evaluating destination country laws

Sector-Specific Compliance

Healthcare & Medical Data:

• Special category data processing
• NHS data sharing agreements
• Medical research compliance
• Patient consent mechanisms

Financial Services:

• Know Your Customer (KYC) data processing
• Anti-money laundering compliance
• Credit reference data sharing
• Financial promotions and marketing

E-commerce & Retail:

• Customer data collection and use
• Marketing and profiling compliance
• Cookies and tracking technologies
• Third-party data sharing

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Data Protection

• GDPR Specialists: Solicitors focusing exclusively on data protection law
• Technical Understanding: Knowledge of data processing technologies and systems
• Practical Solutions: Business-focused compliance strategies that work
• Crisis Response: 24/7 availability for data breach emergencies
• Ongoing Support: Regular compliance reviews and regulatory updates
• Cost-Effective: Efficient solutions that protect your budget and reputation

Professional data protection advice is essential for avoiding costly GDPR fines and maintaining customer trust in our digital economy.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.