A statement in response to the 2008 British Chamber of Commerce’s Burdens Barometer report which called for a number of ‘burdens’ to be reviewed, including the Data Protection Act.
"In recent months the importance of the Data Protection Act has never been so obvious. Recent security breaches have reinforced the need for all organisations to ensure personal information is secure. This is a key principle of the Act. If businesses fail to properly safeguard information they risk losing the trust and confidence of their customers.
"Other key principles of the Act include ensuring personal information is accurate and up to date and that it is used for purposes which people have been told about. By following these simple principles businesses can ensure they provide an effective customer service. What business wants to irritate people and incur costs by sending marketing information to people who clearly don’t want to receive it.
"According to our latest research 90% of businesses believe that the Data Protection Act is needed, and contrary to the Chamber of Commerce report, over half of businesses believe that the Act adds value to their business rather than extra burden.
"The Act gives us important rights and protection in an age where more and more of our personal information is being collected and traded. We should recognise the benefits it brings, not belittle it as a burden."