… thats right, isn’ it?
It is a common problem that as soon as you mention “data” that people glaze over and look to the IT team to show some interest in what’s being said. However, personal data is a problem for all of us, whether we’re the individual the data is about (data subject) or the person who decides what to do with your data in their organisation (data controller).
Should data be left to the geeks or should we all take an interest in its well being, security and accuracy? It has to be said that those that love managing, manipulating and massaging data have a key role in this technology-enriched world, but the handling of information usually starts and ends with humans, so managing, manipulating and massaging (!) the people that come in contact with data is equally important.
You’re a ‘data subject’ somewhere, without a doubt – do you know where and why? Are you clear on what data is held and if it is accurate, up-to-date and secure? Do you know your rights and what a good data processors should be giving you so your consent is informed and valid – especially in the light of the new regulations due in May 2018.
If you are a ‘data controller’, do you know what your responsibilities are? What data is being processed, where and why? And are you clear who is involved in handling data and whether that is appropriate? The General Data Protection Regulation which will be implemented on 25 May 2018 changes how data should be handled – find out what you need to do by completing the Gydeline assessment and monitor your success as you improve your processes.
Obligatory Star Trek Quote:
I could be pursuing an untamed ornithoid without cause – DATA, Star Trek: The Next Generation, “Data’s Day”
