Destruction of Confidential Information: Are You Complying with the Data Protection Act?

Many businesses still fail to comply with the Data Protection Act for the secure destruction of confidential information. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has now published new guidance to help employers manage this problem.

Amongst advice included in the guide is the need to have a formal written contract with your information destruction company, and to ask for evidence that they operate secure sites and vet their staff. The guide is available online at www.bsia.co.uk/bsia_destruct.taf.

Over 440 complaints about the illegal handling of confidential data were made in the financial year 2001-2002, with over 100 prosecutions made. Non-compliance can ultimately lead to a business being shut down.
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