07/12/2001
TSS warns businesses to beware of misleading mail
The DETI’s Trading Standards Service (TSS) have warned businesses to be on the lookout for approached made by a company called the ‘Data Collection Enforcement Agency’.
The TSS say that this company, which has no connection with any official government agency, has been sending businesses an ‘Urgent Notice’ claiming that the businesses are not recorded with them as registered under the Data Protection Act 1998.
The mailing states that failure to register constitutes a “criminal offence” and that they are therefore liable to a “large fine”. Several of these businesses, believing that this communication was from an official body, have contacted TSS for advice.
A spokesman from TSS said: “The Data Collection Enforcement Agency has no powers to demand that a business registers with it nor can it issue fines. The organisation which actually oversees the Data Protection Act is the Information Commissioner, formerly known as the Data Protection Registrar. This official body has no relationship with the Data Collection Enforcement Agency.
“We recommend that businesses check their own position in relation to data protection by using the Information Commission helpline number 01625 545 745.”
Further details are also given in the Trading Standards Service website at www.tssni.gov.uk. The Information Commission charges £35 for registration and provides a helpline and advice service. (SP)
The TSS say that this company, which has no connection with any official government agency, has been sending businesses an ‘Urgent Notice’ claiming that the businesses are not recorded with them as registered under the Data Protection Act 1998.
The mailing states that failure to register constitutes a “criminal offence” and that they are therefore liable to a “large fine”. Several of these businesses, believing that this communication was from an official body, have contacted TSS for advice.
A spokesman from TSS said: “The Data Collection Enforcement Agency has no powers to demand that a business registers with it nor can it issue fines. The organisation which actually oversees the Data Protection Act is the Information Commissioner, formerly known as the Data Protection Registrar. This official body has no relationship with the Data Collection Enforcement Agency.
“We recommend that businesses check their own position in relation to data protection by using the Information Commission helpline number 01625 545 745.”
Further details are also given in the Trading Standards Service website at www.tssni.gov.uk. The Information Commission charges £35 for registration and provides a helpline and advice service. (SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 March 2002
CCTV operators warned on Data Protection Act compliance
Northern Ireland organisations using Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance cameras may be in danger of being penalised thousands of pounds worth of fines for not complying with Data Protection legislation.
CCTV operators warned on Data Protection Act compliance
Northern Ireland organisations using Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance cameras may be in danger of being penalised thousands of pounds worth of fines for not complying with Data Protection legislation.
01 August 2017
Businesses Urged To Get Ready For Introduction Of EU Data Protection Rules
The European Union's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force for all markets from 25 May, 2018, affecting businesses both inside and outside the Union. Despite the UK's plans to leave the EU, the new regulation will still apply.
Businesses Urged To Get Ready For Introduction Of EU Data Protection Rules
The European Union's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force for all markets from 25 May, 2018, affecting businesses both inside and outside the Union. Despite the UK's plans to leave the EU, the new regulation will still apply.
30 September 2002
Innovative technology attracts US company
Causeway Data Communications, a University of Ulster spin-out company, recently signed a strategic alliance with Patriot Properties of Boston to market innovative technology developed in Northern Ireland to the US market.
Innovative technology attracts US company
Causeway Data Communications, a University of Ulster spin-out company, recently signed a strategic alliance with Patriot Properties of Boston to market innovative technology developed in Northern Ireland to the US market.
15 March 2002
Data Protection Act needs further "clarification"
The government has been called on to clarify the provisions of the Data Protection Act in relation to information held by employers. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) made the appeal after the first consultation document on employee relations was issued.
Data Protection Act needs further "clarification"
The government has been called on to clarify the provisions of the Data Protection Act in relation to information held by employers. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) made the appeal after the first consultation document on employee relations was issued.
31 July 2014
NI Football League Signs Contract With TRACKCHAMP
The NI Football League has announced they have signed a long-term contract with TRACKCHAMP, a joint venture between bwin.party digital entertainment and Chyronhego, to be their Official Streaming and Data Partner.
NI Football League Signs Contract With TRACKCHAMP
The NI Football League has announced they have signed a long-term contract with TRACKCHAMP, a joint venture between bwin.party digital entertainment and Chyronhego, to be their Official Streaming and Data Partner.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.