Local authorities ‘need to do more’ to support people affected by data breaches, according to the Information Commissioner.
Around 55% of UK adults reported having had their data lost or stolen, with 30% of them experiencing emotional distress as a result, according to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
However, 25% said they received no support from the organisations responsible and 32% found out through the media rather than from the organisation itself.
Commenting on the findings, Information Commissioner John Edwards said: ‘We trust organisations with some of the most sensitive personal information imaginable, yet these data breaches continue to happen.
‘This is not just an admin error – it is about people. When data is mishandled, it can have serious and long-lasting consequences, particularly for people in vulnerable situations. We need organisations across the country to do better.’
