{"id":179241,"date":"2023-01-19T22:41:28","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T22:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?p=179241"},"modified":"2023-01-30T04:08:07","modified_gmt":"2023-01-30T04:08:07","slug":"avoid-ico-fines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Useful Tips to Help Your UK Business Avoid Fines From the ICO"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As a UK business owner, one of your main priorities is protecting your company\u2019s bottom line. Many UK businesses worry about the <a href=\"https:\/\/ico.org.uk\/\">Information Commissioner\u2019s Office\u2019s (ICO)<\/a> power to impose hefty fines for data protection breaches. This is understandable in light of the ICO\u2019s powers to fine UK organisations up to \u00a317.5m for GDPR violations. This article will explore the circumstances in which the ICO can fine your business and three valuable ways to reduce the risk of an ICO fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Information Commissioner&#8217;s Office?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The UK Government created the ICO as an independent body to enforce data protection rules. However, most of the media attention given to the ICO focuses on its ability to impose financial penalties of up to \u00a317.5m on UK businesses for GDPR breaches. The ICO\u2019s primary purpose is to educate UK businesses on how to remain GDPR compliant and avoid fines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--idea\">\n    <p>The ICO website is one of the best resources for guidance on fully complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>However, given the availability of this helpful guide, the ICO has little sympathy for UK businesses that ignore it and breach data privacy rules. Whilst the GDPR can deliver fines for any GDPR violation, the most common breaches include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>unreasonable monitoring of individuals (including staff) on your premises;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failure to handle a <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/benefits-lawyer-handling-sar\/\">Subject Access Request<\/a> within the required timescale;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>unsafe data storage leading to data theft or unauthorised use;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failure to ensure good cyber security practices leading to an avoidable cyber-attack; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>unauthorised disclosure of personal information to a third party.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>During 2020 and 2021, the ICO handed out GDPR fines in the region of \u00a342m to UK organisations. There is no reason to imagine a deduction in yearly penalties going forward, so it seems apt to explore three helpful ways for your business to avoid ICO fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Follow ICO Online Guidance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ICO website provides various helpful guides on GDPR compliance. These guides aim to help UK businesses comply with essential data protection principles within the GDPR.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ICO website provides data protection law guidance through checklists and FAQ articles. Many focus on helping UK organisations ensure their data processing and storage methods are safe and secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <p>Notably, the resources on the ICO website are free, as the ICO wants its resources to be fully accessible to all UK organisations. As a result, many business owners take advantage of the easy-to-understand online guidance and, in doing so, avoid hefty fines from the ICO.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div class=\"mb-8 text-2xl font-bold text-orange\">\n        Need legal advice?\n        <br>\n        <span class=\"text-lg not-prose\">\n                            Call <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"not-prose\">0808 196 8584<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n                <br>\n                Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you within one business day.\n                    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n<div class=\"not-prose flex justify-center text-left gform_input_bg_white    \">\n    <script>\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1.\"),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var d=gform.hooks[o][r];null==n&&(n=r+\"_\"+d.length),gform.hooks[o][r].push({tag:n,callable:e,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(r,o,e){var t;if(e=Array.prototype.slice.call(e,1),null!=gform.hooks[r][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[r][o]).sort(function(o,r){return o.priority-r.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){\"function\"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),\"action\"==r?t.apply(null,e):e[0]=t.apply(null,e)})),\"filter\"==r)return e[0]},removeHook:function(o,r,t,n){var e;null!=gform.hooks[o][r]&&(e=(e=gform.hooks[o][r]).filter(function(o,r,e){return!!(null!=n&&n!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][r]=e)}});\n<\/script>\n\n                <div class='gf_browser_gecko gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework lawyer-form_wrapper gplaceholder_wrapper form-with-labels-no-asterisks_wrapper has-new-validation-error-styling_wrapper' data-form-theme='gravity-theme' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_2453' style='display:none'><div id='gf_2453' class='gform_anchor' tabindex='-1'><\/div><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data' target='gform_ajax_frame_2453' id='gform_2453' class='lawyer-form gplaceholder form-with-labels-no-asterisks has-new-validation-error-styling' action='\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179241#gf_2453' data-formid='2453' novalidate>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_fields_2453' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><div id=\"field_2453_1000\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_1000'>Phone<\/label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_1000' id='input_2453_1000' type='text' value='' autocomplete='new-password'\/><\/div><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_2453_1000'>This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_1'>First Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_1' id='input_2453_1' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_12\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_12'>Last Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_12' id='input_2453_12' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_2\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-email gfield--input-type-email gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_2'>Email Address<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_email'>\n                            <input name='input_2' id='input_2453_2' type='email' value='' class='medium'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"  \/>\n                        <\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_3\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-phone gfield--input-type-phone gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_3'>Phone<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_phone'><input name='input_3' id='input_2453_3' type='tel' value='' class='medium'   aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_14\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full custom-select gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_14'>Number of Employees in Your Business<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_select'><select name='input_14' id='input_2453_14' class='large gfield_select'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" ><option value='' selected='selected'>Select ...<\/option><option value='0' >0<\/option><option value='1' >1-5<\/option><option value='6' >6-20<\/option><option value='21' >21-50<\/option><option value='51' >51-250<\/option><option value='250' >250+<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_4\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea gfield--input-type-textarea gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_4'>Tell us about your enquiry<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_textarea'><textarea name='input_4' id='input_2453_4' class='textarea medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_5\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-html gfield--input-type-html gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  >By submitting this form, you agree to receive emails from LegalVision and can unsubscribe at any time. View our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/privacy-notice\/\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. <\/div><div id=\"field_2453_8\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_8' id='input_2453_8' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='http:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179241' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_13\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_13' id='input_2453_13' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='generic_form' \/><\/div><\/div><fieldset id=\"field_2453_999\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-checkbox gfield--type-choice gfield__uk-marketo-opt-in field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label screen-reader-text' ><\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_checkbox'><div class='gfield_checkbox ' id='input_2453_999'><div class='gchoice gchoice_2453_999_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_999.1' type='checkbox'  value='1'  id='choice_2453_999_1'   \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_2453_999_1' id='label_2453_999_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>By submitting this form, you agree to receive content and event invitations from us to help you grow your business. If you do not want to receive such messages, tick here.<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class='gform-footer gform_footer top_label'> <button type=\"submit\" id=\"gform_submit_button_2453\" class=\"gform_button button\" onclick=\"gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);\" data-submission-type=\"submit\"><span class=\"gform_submit_button__text\">Submit Now<\/span><\/button> <input type='hidden' name='gform_ajax' value='form_id=2453&amp;title=&amp;description=&amp;tabindex=0&amp;theme=gravity-theme&amp;hash=ec2463697d0d9cef7b71236ae60964c7' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submission_method' data-js='gform_submission_method_2453' value='iframe' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_theme' data-js='gform_theme_2453' id='gform_theme_2453' value='gravity-theme' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_style_settings' data-js='gform_style_settings_2453' id='gform_style_settings_2453' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_2453' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='2453' \/>\n            \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_currency' data-currency='GBP' value='g4aCknoTIS8TYswuWHkfk\/1RsthtObxeOnUz1bY3txiLEwKkWl6Z42w2HhLKzvw\/RXxY6aluPaH6KjrF9LZr6gpjiFwgLho2U1xdB0voENASsaY=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_2453' value='WyJ7XCIxNFwiOltcIjIyODY0N2ViMWU3NTcxZjA4YTY4NGJmMDcwMTk3Y2I0XCIsXCJiMzk3YmQ1MDBmMmFjNjk1ODE4MzdmNTBhYTA2MzQ0OFwiLFwiNGYyNGZkZGEwMzlkNDUxMWFhZGE1NGYwZmQwZmNiZTdcIixcIjUyMmJkMDE2M2I2ZmEwOTI3NDZhZjU5YTg0ZmM1NDk5XCIsXCIzODRlNjk1YjQxMTAzMWFiYmQ2ODEyMGYyZWFhMDYyNlwiLFwiYjkzNDcwNTE2MjkxOGRjZWViMjQzNzRjNmE0NGVmNTlcIixcIjQxMTliODZhMzVjYzJiMWViNDZiMmQ4NjRlNGUzZmNjXCJdfSIsIjQ3MjNiMzA2ZDIyZGVkODA2N2YyMjYyOThkYzI1ODVmIl0=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_2453' id='gform_target_page_number_2453' value='0' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_2453' id='gform_source_page_number_2453' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n            \n        <\/div>\n                        <\/form>\n                        <\/div>\n\t\t                <iframe style='display:none;width:0px;height:0px;' src='about:blank' name='gform_ajax_frame_2453' id='gform_ajax_frame_2453' title='This iframe contains the logic required to handle Ajax powered Gravity Forms.'><\/iframe>\n\t\t                <script>\ngform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 2453, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_2453').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_2453');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_2453').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){form_content.find('form').css('opacity', 0);jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { \/* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome *\/ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_2453').val();gformInitSpinner( 2453, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [2453, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_2453'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_2453').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [2453]);window['gf_submitting_2453'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_2453').text());}else{jQuery('#gform_2453').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger(\"gform_pre_post_render\", [{ formId: \"2453\", currentPage: \"current_page\", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);        if (event && event.defaultPrevented) {                return;        }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_wrapper_2453\" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( \"span\" );            visibilitySpan.id = \"gform_visibility_test_2453\";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( \"afterend\", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_visibility_test_2453\" );        let postRenderFired = false;        function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            gform.core.triggerPostRenderEvents( 2453, current_page );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );\n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"content-next\"><!-- scroll anchor --><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Appoint a Data Protection Officer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main reasons why UK businesses appoint <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/need-dpo\/\">Data Protection Officers<\/a>. The first is because a Data Protection Officer (DPO) can prove helpful in complying with GDPR rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second reason is due to the GDPR requiring UK organisations to appoint a DPO in any of the following circumstances:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the business handles \u2018special categories of data\u2019, including information relating to health, religion, sexual orientation or biometric data;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the organisation engages in regular monitoring of individuals, including the general public or employees; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the business processes information relating to past criminal convictions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Naturally, many businesses will be caught by the requirement for a DPO because CCTV usage can constitute regular monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of whether a DPO&#8217;s appointment is mandatory, most DPOs offer good expertise regarding GDPR compliance. For example, many UK businesses benefit from DPOs advising them on effective data storage, suitable cyber security measures and data protection best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One example of a DPO minimising the risk of an ICO fine is through them carrying out a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). These risk assessments help reduce the risk of a future data breach as long as your company follows its wording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, a competent DPO can assist the ICO during any ICO investigations into your business. Providing information and acting professionally may help appease the ICO and persuade them that your organisation will do better in the future. With all this in mind, a good DPO is a worthy investment to substantially reduce your risk of ICO fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. System Security and Cybersecurity Measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the primary purposes of the GDPR and ICO is to encourage UK businesses to take system security seriously. It is a crucial requirement for all UK organisations to take all reasonable cybersecurity measures to protect against data theft or unauthorised access to personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst UK businesses need to continuously monitor and update their cybersecurity efforts, specific measures help reduce the risk of cyber attacks. These include some of the following actions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>training staff on cyber resilience and suitable security measures;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>carrying out regular tests on your computer system (using specialist software or external cybersecurity consultants);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>using two-factor authentication on essential accounts where possible;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ensuring immediate download and installation of software updates and patches;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>using strong passwords for critical accounts; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>regularly backing up personal data and company information by secure means.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The ICO issue some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/biggest-fines-ico\/\">largest ICO fines<\/a> to UK organisations that have been victims of preventable cyberattacks. The ICO takes a dim view of UK businesses that suffer data theft due to not investing in suitable cybersecurity measures. This is why the ICO hands out financial penalties worth millions of pounds to businesses that suffer large-scale cyber attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ICO has two primary purposes: education and enforcement. However, when UK businesses fail to heed the online guidance on the ICO website, the organisation quickly reverts to enforcing the rules through financial penalties. The good news is that many UK businesses comply with GDPR requirements by obtaining legal assistance and keeping up-to-date with data protection requirements.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your business needs help achieving full GDPR compliance and avoiding ICO fines, our experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/it-lawyers-lp\/\">Data, Privacy and IT lawyers<\/a> can assist as part of our LegalVision membership.\u00a0 For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents.\u00a0 Call us today on <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0808 196 8584<\/a> or visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/membership\/\">membership page<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1674167815834\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Why are ICO fines so high for GDPR infringements?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The ICO has a maximum fine of \u00a317.5m for one main reason: deterrence. The primary purpose of the financial penalty system is to provide a suitable motivation to UK organisations to ensure good GDPR compliance. So far, it appears to be a successful strategy.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1674167826669\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Will the GDPR survive Brexit?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, the UK Government have shown little interest in repealing the GDPR. There are two main reasons for this: firstly, businesses spend considerable time and effort complying with the GDPR and secondly, the UK wishes others to view it as a secure place to do business.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<div class=\"not-prose m-feedback-prompt\">\n    <!-- Thumbs up\/down bar -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__main\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/div>\n        <div>\n            <!--span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button--text\">Thanks!<\/span-->\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--yes\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\" aria-label=\"Agree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-up fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--no\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\" aria-label=\"Disagree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-down fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Feedback form -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--thanks \">\n            <div>Thanks!<\/div>\n            <p>\n                We appreciate your feedback \u2013 your submission has been successfully received.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--form\" action=\"\" method=\"post\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"9eb4f72322\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179241\" \/>            <input value=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\"\n                   id=\"currenturl\">\n            <input value=\"Three Useful Tips to Help Your UK Business Avoid Fines From the ICO\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\"\n                   id=\"currenttitle\">\n            <label>\n                <!-- display on thumbs-up -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--yes\">\n                    Can you tell us <span class=\"font-semibold\">why<\/span> you found it helpful?\n                <\/span>\n\n                <!-- display on thumbs-down -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--no text-lg\">\n                    How can we better improve this article?\n                <\/span>\n                <textarea name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\" required><\/textarea>\n            <\/label>\n\n            <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--error\" id=\"form-submit-error\"><\/div>\n            <button id=\"submit-contact-form-button\" type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--submit\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n                Submit            <\/button>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a UK business owner, one of your main priorities is protecting your company\u2019s bottom line. Many UK businesses worry about the Information Commissioner\u2019s Office\u2019s (ICO) power to impose hefty fines for data protection breaches. This is understandable in light of the ICO\u2019s powers to fine UK organisations up to \u00a317.5m for GDPR violations. This<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;Three Useful Tips to Help Your UK Business Avoid Fines From the ICO&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13349,"featured_media":3233,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"179019,4394,780,173413,176495,172521","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[20,21,365,642],"class_list":["post-179241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-data-privacy-it","tag-small-business","tag-medium-business","tag-gdpr","tag-gdpr-complicance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Three Tips to Avoid ICO Fines | LegalVision UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This article will explore three useful tips your UK business can implement to avoid receiving ICO fines and practice GDPR compliance.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Three Tips to Avoid ICO Fines | LegalVision UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This article will explore three useful tips your UK business can implement to avoid receiving ICO fines and practice GDPR compliance.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"LegalVision UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-01-19T22:41:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-01-30T04:08:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"963\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"542\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Thomas Sutherland\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Thomas Sutherland\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Thomas Sutherland\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/46d22f7d1b4ba321fe5b1cdc648cc5d2\"},\"headline\":\"Three Useful Tips to Help Your UK Business Avoid Fines From the ICO\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-01-19T22:41:28+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-01-30T04:08:07+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/\"},\"wordCount\":1043,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"small business\",\"medium business\",\"gdpr\",\"gdpr complicance\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Data, Privacy and IT Articles\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/\",\"name\":\"Three Tips to Avoid ICO Fines | LegalVision UK\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-01-19T22:41:28+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-01-30T04:08:07+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/46d22f7d1b4ba321fe5b1cdc648cc5d2\"},\"description\":\"This article will explore three useful tips your UK business can implement to avoid receiving ICO fines and practice GDPR compliance.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#faq-question-1674167815834\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#faq-question-1674167826669\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg\",\"width\":963,\"height\":542,\"caption\":\"Legal Overview of UCTA for Small Businesses | LegalVision UK\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Data, Privacy and IT Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/category\/data-privacy-it\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Three Useful Tips to Help Your UK Business Avoid Fines From the ICO\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/\",\"name\":\"LegalVision UK\",\"description\":\"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in the UK with a commitment to innovation\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/46d22f7d1b4ba321fe5b1cdc648cc5d2\",\"name\":\"Thomas Sutherland\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/cropped-Thomas-Sutherland-96x96.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/cropped-Thomas-Sutherland-96x96.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Thomas Sutherland\"},\"description\":\"Tom is an Expert Legal Contributor for LegalVision. He has particular expertise in Commercial and Employment litigation, as well as data protection and privacy regulations. He is a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales and has a decade of legal experience, including advocacy within civil courts and Tribunals. Tom specialises in civil and employment litigation. He has extensive experience in advising employers and companies as to the requirements of employment law and data protection rules, as well as day-to-day advice on smooth running from a commercial perspective. Qualifications: Professional Skills Course - Law, University of Law; Legal Practice Course - Law, College of Law; Bachelor of Laws, University of Southampton.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tom-sutherland-72b4509b\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/author\/thomassutherland\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#faq-question-1674167815834\",\"name\":\"Why are ICO fines so high for GDPR infringements?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The ICO has a maximum fine of \u00a317.5m for one main reason: deterrence. The primary purpose of the financial penalty system is to provide a suitable motivation to UK organisations to ensure good GDPR compliance. So far, it appears to be a successful strategy.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#faq-question-1674167826669\",\"name\":\"Will the GDPR survive Brexit?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, the UK Government have shown little interest in repealing the GDPR. There are two main reasons for this: firstly, businesses spend considerable time and effort complying with the GDPR and secondly, the UK wishes others to view it as a secure place to do business.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Three Tips to Avoid ICO Fines | LegalVision UK","description":"This article will explore three useful tips your UK business can implement to avoid receiving ICO fines and practice GDPR compliance.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Three Tips to Avoid ICO Fines | LegalVision UK","og_description":"This article will explore three useful tips your UK business can implement to avoid receiving ICO fines and practice GDPR compliance.","og_url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/","og_site_name":"LegalVision UK","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision","article_published_time":"2023-01-19T22:41:28+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-01-30T04:08:07+00:00","og_image":[{"width":963,"height":542,"url":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Thomas Sutherland","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_site":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Thomas Sutherland","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/"},"author":{"name":"Thomas Sutherland","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/46d22f7d1b4ba321fe5b1cdc648cc5d2"},"headline":"Three Useful Tips to Help Your UK Business Avoid Fines From the ICO","datePublished":"2023-01-19T22:41:28+00:00","dateModified":"2023-01-30T04:08:07+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/"},"wordCount":1043,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg","keywords":["small business","medium business","gdpr","gdpr complicance"],"articleSection":["Data, Privacy and IT Articles"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/","name":"Three Tips to Avoid ICO Fines | LegalVision UK","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg","datePublished":"2023-01-19T22:41:28+00:00","dateModified":"2023-01-30T04:08:07+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/46d22f7d1b4ba321fe5b1cdc648cc5d2"},"description":"This article will explore three useful tips your UK business can implement to avoid receiving ICO fines and practice GDPR compliance.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#faq-question-1674167815834"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#faq-question-1674167826669"}],"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/24122203\/business-image-0522174.jpg","width":963,"height":542,"caption":"Legal Overview of UCTA for Small Businesses | LegalVision UK"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Data, Privacy and IT Articles","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/category\/data-privacy-it\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Three Useful Tips to Help Your UK Business Avoid Fines From the ICO"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/","name":"LegalVision UK","description":"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in the UK with a commitment to innovation","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/46d22f7d1b4ba321fe5b1cdc648cc5d2","name":"Thomas Sutherland","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/cropped-Thomas-Sutherland-96x96.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/cropped-Thomas-Sutherland-96x96.jpg","caption":"Thomas Sutherland"},"description":"Tom is an Expert Legal Contributor for LegalVision. He has particular expertise in Commercial and Employment litigation, as well as data protection and privacy regulations. He is a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales and has a decade of legal experience, including advocacy within civil courts and Tribunals. Tom specialises in civil and employment litigation. He has extensive experience in advising employers and companies as to the requirements of employment law and data protection rules, as well as day-to-day advice on smooth running from a commercial perspective. Qualifications: Professional Skills Course - Law, University of Law; Legal Practice Course - Law, College of Law; Bachelor of Laws, University of Southampton.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tom-sutherland-72b4509b\/"],"url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/author\/thomassutherland\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#faq-question-1674167815834","name":"Why are ICO fines so high for GDPR infringements?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The ICO has a maximum fine of \u00a317.5m for one main reason: deterrence. The primary purpose of the financial penalty system is to provide a suitable motivation to UK organisations to ensure good GDPR compliance. So far, it appears to be a successful strategy.","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/avoid-ico-fines\/#faq-question-1674167826669","name":"Will the GDPR survive Brexit?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, the UK Government have shown little interest in repealing the GDPR. There are two main reasons for this: firstly, businesses spend considerable time and effort complying with the GDPR and secondly, the UK wishes others to view it as a secure place to do business.","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/13349"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=179241"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179241\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":179341,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179241\/revisions\/179341"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/3233"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=179241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=179241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=179241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}