Is your web site compliant?

The Data Protection Act 1998 came almost fully into force on 24 October 2001. The Act has a significant impact for all UK businesses and particularly those with an Internet presence.

The majority of UK businesses will now be required to comply with the provisions of this Act and, if selling on-line, then also with the provisions of the Distance Selling Regulations 2000.

There are a number of offences under the Data Protection Act which can lead to substantial fines both for the companies and their individual directors and employees. The Information Commissioner, who is responsible for ensuring compliance, has indicated that the Act will be actively enforced. The Commissioner has commissioned the University of Manchester Department of Science & Technology (UMIST) to launch a detailed survey of UK company websites in order to police compliance with a view to carrying out enforcement of the Act against those who do not comply.

		Recent research by NAK Corporate World has revealed that a majority of sites do not currently comply with either the Data Protection Act or the Distance Selling Regulations 2000.

It should also be noted that in addition to complying with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the provisions of the Distance Selling Regulations 2000, it is necessary under the Data Protection Act for those who process personal data to notify the Information Commissioner of all processing undertaken by means of a formal notification process unless in certain (very restricted) circumstances they qualify for exemption.

Failure to notify the Information Commissioner of all processing undertaken amounts to a criminal offence.

Clearly, the majority of businesses will want to comply fully with the Act and, where appropriate, the Regulations - not only to avoid the risk of damaging publicity but also to demonstrate to the users of their sites that they handle personal data in a proper and professional manner.

Attempting to bring a web site to compliance in-house is likely to involve excessive management time and even then may not prove fully effective, whereas engaging NAK Corporate World to ensuring compliance is both quick and inexpensive. Our technical expertise and allied to our experience of the subject enables us to deliver this valuable service to you for a very reasonable £650 plus VAT^*. The work can usually be completed within seven working days of receiving your instructions to proceed.

Why NAK Corporate World?

NAK Corporate World has developed a wealth of Internet and related commercial expertise providing e-business and web integration solutions to a range of corporate and commercial clients including banks, building societies, global corporates, publicly quoted companies, professional firms, large privately held businesses, owner-managed businesses and not-for-profits. In relation to the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Distance Selling Regulations 2000 we offer a speedy, efficient and cost-effective solution which will ensure compliance for all your Internet operations.

		So what's included? Our comprehensive review of your web site/s is completely free of charge. If your site appears compliant and no immediate action is required we will tell you and simply schedule another free review in six months' time. Please note that we can if you wish supply a written copy of our review, for which we make a nominal charge of £80 plus VAT. If on the other hand your site appears not to comply, then our service will include: a written review of your web site in relation to the Data Protection Act 1998 and Distance Selling Regulations 2000 including full recommendations on making your web site compliant (sent to you via e-mail in Word format; creation of all documents necessary to bring the site to compliance together with implementation of the documents onto the site, including creation of all necessary links; checking with the Information Commissioner that notifications are properly in place.

What happens if you don't comply?

A large fine and legal costs might represent only a fraction of the potential financial damage your business could suffer - consider for example the effects of negative publicity, lack of customer confidence, even loss of customers.

		Don't wait until the damage is done - act now, contact us today and take the first steps towards compliance. Email dpa@corpworld.co.uk or speak to one of our consultants on 01924 500 366 for further information.

^* Implementing solutions on very large or complex web sites may incur additional costs beyond our standard fee. In such cases no implementation work will be undertaken or additional costs incurred without the prior written approval from an authorised source.