Tech firms could face huge fines under new data breach laws
2 min read
Tech firms like Google and Facebook could face eye-watering fines if they breach the privacy of their users under a newly proposed law.
Under measures in the Data Protection Bill companies could be fined £17m or 4% of their global turnover - whichever is higher - for breaches.
The new proposals are designed to give citizens more control over their data with strict rules on how it can be held and used.
Social media platforms will be forced to delete information when requested, while customers will be automatically opted out from receiving marketing emails.
What constitutes personal data will be expanded to include IP addresses and cookies, and people will be able to find out what information organisations hold on them more easily.
Digital minister Matt Hancock said the laws would support business use of data and give confidence to consumers that their information is protected.
"The new Data Protection Bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world," he said.
"It will give people more control over their data, require more consent for its use, and prepare Britain for Brexit.”
Labour deputy leader and culture spokesman Tom Watson said: "It is welcome news that they've finally understood that our current data protection legislation needs updating."
He added: "As we are leaving the EU it is more important than ever that we have a robust data protection framework fit for the future.
"We'll be scrutinising the bill carefully to make sure it creates that future-proof framework."
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