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Discover the comprehensive range of data protection services at Data Protection People. Tailored to meet the unique needs of your organisation, our expert team has successfully handled every challenge imaginable. Whether you’re navigating compliance complexities or enhancing data security, trust DPP to be your partner in safeguarding information.

GDPR Training

Data Protection People have a wide range of training services catering for every need. Whether its general training for operational or admin staff or specific training for specialist roles, we have something for you. watch the short video below to meet the team and find out more about our training services.

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Information Management Software

DataWise is the original privacy tech platform designed to simplify GDPR compliance management. Since its inception in 2011, DataWise has continuously evolved, solidifying its reputation as the pioneering "privacy tech" solution.

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Data Protection Consultancy

Unlock Compliance Excellence with Our GDPR Consultancy Services. Navigating the intricate realm of data protection laws and standards demands expert guidance.

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Outsourced DPO

A data protection officer doesn't have to be a full time employee and in many respects it's better to have a company like DPP take on the role. Watch the video below to find out more about our outsourced DPO and privacy officer services or reach out and get in touch with us.

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Need Help With Cyber Security Compliance?

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At Data Protection People, our cyber security services are designed to fortify your digital defences. With a proven track record spanning diverse sectors in the UK, our seasoned team brings a wealth of experience in handling a wide array of cybersecurity challenges. Reach out to us and explore how DPP can enhance your organisation’s cyber resilience.

PCI DSS Compliance Services for Merchants

A PCI assessment is an audit for validating compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security standards for merchants who accept, process, store or transmit credit card information.

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PCI DSS Compliance Services for Service Providers

A PCI assessment is an audit for validating compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security standards for merchants who accept, process, store or transmit credit card information.

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External Attack Surface Management

Our experts can support you with Dark Web Monitoring - Data Protection People offer a free dark web scan for your organisation.

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ISO 27001

Our tailored program, guided by industry-certified experts, supports your ISO 27001 compliance journey. Whether you need advice on certification scope, assistance with remediation work, or comprehensive ISO 27001 consultancy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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Supporting DPOs

Flexible Support When You Need It

At Data Protection People, we recognise the dynamic challenges and unique responsibilities of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) role. Beyond offering standard support, we provide a comprehensive suite of services crafted to empower DPOs at every step.

Collaborative Community: Navigating the intricate landscape of data protection can be isolating. That’s why we’ve fostered a collaborative community of privacy professionals. As a DPO with us, you’re never alone. Our network serves as a forum for insightful discussions, sharing solutions, and building a sense of camaraderie.

Expert Guidance and Advice: The journey of a DPO is often filled with complex decisions. Our seasoned team of experts is your reliable resource, offering timely advice and strategic guidance. We’re not just a service provider; we’re your dedicated partners in overcoming challenges and making informed decisions.

Advanced Training for Continuous Growth: Stay ahead in your role with our advanced training programs. Tailored for DPOs, our courses delve into intricate aspects of data protection, providing you with a competitive edge. It’s not just about meeting the present challenges but ensuring your continuous growth and excellence in your role.

Audits, Assessments, and Document Reviews: Our services extend beyond conventional boundaries. From comprehensive audits and assessments to meticulous document reviews, we ensure that your data protection strategies are not only compliant but also optimised for efficiency.

Simplifying Complexity for Future Ease: Beyond addressing current challenges, our mission is to simplify the complexities inherent in data protection. By partnering with Data Protection People, you’re not just solving problems – you’re ensuring a smoother, more efficient role in the future. We streamline processes, making your responsibilities more manageable and your decisions more impactful.

Diverse Sector Experience

Access to a Team of Industry Experts

At Data Protection People, our expertise spans across diverse sectors, ensuring that businesses of all sizes and orientations receive tailored Data Protection and Cyber Security solutions. From the dynamic commercial sector and agile SMEs to the impactful third sector and expansive multi-nationals, we extend our services to fortify the digital defences of every business entity.

Commercial Sector

Elevate your data protection and cybersecurity standards in the bustling landscape of the Commercial Sector. We offer tailored solutions designed to safeguard your sensitive information, ensuring compliance and resilience against evolving threats. Partner with us to fortify your digital assets and foster a secure environment for sustained growth.

SMEs

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of innovation. Our data protection and cybersecurity services are crafted to match the agility of SMEs. Navigate the digital landscape securely, optimize your operations, and scale confidently with our tailored solutions that prioritize your unique business needs.

Third Sector

Third Sector

For organisations in the Third Sector driven by purpose, our data protection and cybersecurity expertise align with your mission. Safeguard sensitive data, build stakeholder trust, and amplify your positive impact. Let our solutions be the backbone of your technology infrastructure, ensuring that your focus remains on making a difference.

Multi Nationals

For the global footprint of Multi Nationals, our data protection and cybersecurity services provide a comprehensive shield. Navigate the complexities of international regulations with confidence. From compliance strategies to threat intelligence, we've got your data security needs covered, empowering your multinational endeavors with resilience.

Public Sector

In the Public Sector, trust and accountability are paramount. Our data protection and cybersecurity consultancy ensures that your operations align seamlessly with regulatory requirements. From confidential citizen data to streamlined governance, our solutions empower public entities to serve with integrity and technological excellence.

Why Use Our Outsourced DPO Services?

Save Time, Money and Guarantee Compliance

Navigating the intricate landscape of data protection demands more than just a DPO — it requires a dedicated team committed to excellence. Our Outsourced DPO Services extend beyond the traditional role, offering a comprehensive approach to legal compliance and pragmatic solutions.

Why Choose Outsourcing?

An outsourced DPO brings a wealth of experience, not just in the law but also in crafting workable solutions. Their impartiality is fortified by a team of privacy practitioners, ensuring that your organization benefits from a spectrum of expertise. Should the need arise, seamless coverage during absences is guaranteed, eliminating the vulnerability associated with a single in-house DPO.

Staying Headache-Free

Concerned about the disruption if your DPO moves on? With an outsourced model, transitions are smooth, and you won’t experience the sudden headache of a critical role vacancy. The continuity provided by a team ensures that your data protection responsibilities are seamlessly handled.

Compliance Tailored to You

Our Outsourced DPO Services align seamlessly with your legal obligations, whether you’re mandated to appoint a DPO or choose to do so voluntarily. We understand that compliance is not just about ticking boxes but about ensuring a robust, practical approach to data protection. Choose Data Protection People for a worry-free, compliance-driven outsourced DPO solution — because your data protection journey should be as smooth as it is secure.

“I cant recommend Data Protection People enough, they have helped me in so many different areas, no matter how complex the challenge or how large the obstacle, DPP always has the answer.

I can call the team at any time and have built an amazing relationship with them, in times of frustration they are here to calm me down and create a plan, they are a pleasure to work with.”

Mark Leete
Eastlight Community Homes
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‘I found the FOI training session to be highly informative and well-structured. It covered all the key areas comprehensively and provided clear, practical guidance throughout. The content was easy to follow, and the delivery by Gary was engaging, making complex topics accessible and understandable’. 

‘The training session has really helped me to understand the IG rep role a bit more and what I need to be thinking about when receiving a request for information’. 

Charlene Haynes & Team
Tendring District Council
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“I have worked with the Data Protection People for some time now. Their expertise has been drawn upon to assist us with our GDPR compliance gap analysis project, ROPA design and production through to conducting objective reviews and surveys. They are always available to help us out and their advice and guidance is excellent and delivered in a timely way. Special mentions to Kathy Midgley, Phil Brining, and David Hendry. A great, reliable and dependable service!”

Judy Barker
Dyslexia Action
Veritau

“A great service and peace of mind. Data Protection People provides a well-rounded service to ensure customers are fully supported in their approach to GDPR compliance. My interaction has largely been with the following people: Kathy Midgley – another great asset to the organisation. Always approachable, always helpful and consistently supportive to the team and customers.

Julie Ferguson
Veritau
Woodgate & Clark

“We have been working with the Data Protection People for many years now, and have found them to be insightful, helpful, and knowledgeable in all areas of Data Protection Compliance. Data Protection People have taken the time to understand our business, the regulatory environment we sit under, and the unique challenges we face in the industry. They have supported us in all areas of Information and Data Security, assisting in assessments of our policies and changes to our processes. They are always willing to go the extra mile and prioritise support where required.”

Nia Roberts
Woodgate & Clarke

Data Protection People Blogs & Podcasts

Data Privacy Learning & Guidance

Data Protection People have the UK’s #1 Data Protection Podcast with over 150 episodes available across all audio streaming platforms, we also post regular content designed to simplify complex areas of data protection and cyber security, check out some of the podcasts and articles below and make data protection easy today.

EU-US Data Transfers: What UK Organisations Need to Prepare For

EU-US Data Transfers: What UK Organisations Need to Prepare For

EU-US data transfers continue to be a complex and evolving compliance challenge for organisations that transfer personal data from the European Union to the United States. A recent analysis from privacy group NOYB warns that existing mechanisms, including the Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework (TADPF) and Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), depend on fragile elements of US law and non-binding standards that may not hold up in the coming months. UK organisations that rely on these frameworks for cross-border data flows should act now to understand and mitigate emerging risks.

What’s Changed / What’s New in EU-US Data Transfers

Most EU-US transfers of personal data are based on two key instruments:

  • The Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework (TADPF), an adequacy mechanism intended to allow free data flows by recognising US laws as providing sufficient protection.
  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), contractual protections that supplement transfers where adequacy decisions do not apply.

According to NOYB, both instruments rely on unstable legal elements in US law, non-binding regulations and judicial decisions that are currently under challenge or at risk of being undermined. This “house of cards” approach means that the failure of a single legal element, such as recognition of enforcement bodies or oversight mechanisms, could cause the entire framework to collapse. This is particularly pressing in light of ongoing legal and political developments in the US.

Why EU-US Data Transfers Matter for Data Protection

Cross-border transfer mechanisms like TADPF and SCCs are essential for many organisations. They allow EU personal data to be legally processed in the United States, where many major cloud, marketing and analytics services are based. However, the legal basis for these mechanisms rests on several fragile foundations:

  • US surveillance laws remain a core concern. Laws such as FISA Section 702 grant broad access to personal data held by US cloud and technology providers, conflicting with EU privacy principles.
  • Judicial oversight in the US is contested, with cases such as Trump v. Slaughter challenging the independence of bodies relied upon in the TADPF.
  • Legal challenges continue in the EU, including criticism that the current framework largely replicates past mechanisms invalidated by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) in Schrems I and Schrems II.

These structural vulnerabilities create uncertainty for organisations that depend on EU-US data transfers. If key elements of the current framework are invalidated or withdrawn, many commonly used transfer mechanisms could become legally untenable overnight.

What UK Organisations Should Be Doing Now

UK organisations need to prepare for potential disruption to EU-US data transfers, even though the UK is outside the EU. This is because many UK businesses process EU personal data or operate in markets where compliance with EU transfer law is a business requirement.

  • Review your transfer mechanisms – Identify where personal data is transferred to the US and on what basis (TADPF, SCCs, Binding Corporate Rules).
  • Conduct Transfer Impact Assessments (TIAs) – Regularly assess whether US law, including surveillance and oversight regimes, provides adequate protection in practice.
  • Prepare contingency plans – Consider technical and organisational measures such as encryption, storing EU data within EU-only environments, or alternative jurisdictions if transfers to the US become legally risky.
  • Monitor litigation and regulatory developments – EU legal challenges, including potential “Schrems III” actions, could affect current frameworks. Stay updated on court decisions and regulator guidance.
  • Update contracts and policies — Ensure data processing agreements and contracts include robust protective measures and clauses that anticipate legal uncertainties in transfer mechanisms.

Our View / Final Thoughts

The landscape of EU-US data transfers remains unsettled. While adequacy decisions like the TADPF provide temporary legal cover, underlying vulnerabilities in US law and ongoing legal challenges mean that certainty is far from guaranteed. UK organisations must act now to understand where their data flows depend on these mechanisms and build resilient approaches that protect privacy and compliance even in the face of legal shifts.

At Data Protection People, we recommend a pragmatic, proactive approach to cross-border transfers. This includes robust impact assessments, strong contractual safeguards, and contingency planning to ensure uninterrupted compliance with both EU and UK data protection obligations.

FAQs

What is the Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework (TADPF)?

The TADPF is a mechanism intended to allow personal data to flow legally from the EU to the United States by recognising US law as providing sufficiently equivalent protection. Its future is uncertain due to legal challenges and underlying vulnerabilities in US law.

Are Standard Contractual Clauses still valid for EU-US transfers?

Yes, SCCs remain available as a transfer mechanism, but organisations must conduct Transfer Impact Assessments and adopt additional safeguards because US law can conflict with EU privacy rights, especially around government access.

What happens if EU-US transfer mechanisms collapse?

If frameworks like the TADPF are invalidated without replacement, data transfers could be limited to “necessary” transfers under Article 49 of the GDPR or require alternative mechanisms such as enhanced contractual protections and technical measures. Strong planning and documentation will be critical.

Does this affect UK-only data transfers?

This primarily concerns transfers of EU personal data. However, UK organisations that handle EU data or have operations in the EU must align with these developments to avoid compliance risks and enforcement action.

References and Useful Sources

Council Data Breach: London Boroughs Activate Emergency Plans After Cyber Attack

Council Data Breach: London Boroughs Activate Emergency Plans After Cyber Attack

Three London councils, including the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), Westminster City Council, and Hammersmith and Fulham, have triggered emergency response plans following a significant cyber incident affecting shared systems. The attack, now under investigation by the National Crime Agency and GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre, has disrupted essential services and raised concerns about a potential council data breach. With networks partially offline and some staff told to work from home, the incident highlights the growing threat facing local authorities and the importance of strong cyber resilience.

Why This Incident Matters Now

This attack comes at a time when councils across the UK are increasingly targeted by organised cybercriminal groups exploiting shared IT infrastructures and legacy systems. Cyber-security experts have warned that personal data may have been compromised, and have urged residents to remain cautious of suspicious emails, texts, or calls referencing the incident. As local authorities continue to digitalise essential services, any council data breach presents serious risks, including service disruption, financial loss, and harm to community trust.

RBKC confirmed that it has identified the cause of the cyber incident and has notified the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as required under UK GDPR. Several systems, including phone lines and online forms, remain disrupted while investigations continue. Staff have been advised to work from home wherever possible as networks remain partially closed “as a precautionary measure”. The council is not expecting a full return of affected systems for several days.

What We Know About the Council Data Breach

An internal RBKC memo, shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), indicates the council has restricted parts of its network to prevent further compromise. Guest Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots remain available, but key internal systems are offline while the investigation progresses.

Cyber-security specialists have stressed the importance of identifying the organisation responsible for the shared infrastructure affected by the attack. If the breach originated from a third-party system, other customers using the same provider may also be at risk. Experts have warned residents to “treat all correspondence with caution”, as attackers frequently exploit publicity surrounding a cyber attack to launch secondary phishing campaigns.

RBKC stated that its IT teams “worked through the night” to determine the cause of the incident. While the council has acknowledged ongoing disruption, it said it will not share further details until the investigation is complete. In the meantime, alternative contact numbers have been added to its website, although some pages and online forms may be unavailable during planned maintenance linked to incident recovery.

Why Councils Are High-Value Targets

Councils hold vast quantities of personal data including names, addresses, financial information, social care records, planning documents, staff details, and internal communications. The scale and sensitivity of this information make councils attractive targets for cybercriminals. A single council data breach can expose thousands of residents to fraud, identity theft, or targeted scams.

Local authorities also manage critical services such as housing, social care, benefits, and environmental health. Disrupting these systems can create real-world impact quickly, putting pressure on councils to restore access and making them more vulnerable to ransomware extortion attempts.

RBKC has said it spends more than £12 million per year on IT and security systems, reflecting the scale of the threat and the complexity of maintaining resilient infrastructure across multiple services.

What Councils Should Be Doing Now

Cyber attacks on local authorities are increasing in frequency and sophistication. This incident demonstrates how one breach can affect multiple boroughs through shared systems. Councils should take immediate action to strengthen their cyber resilience and reduce the risk of a council data breach.

Key steps include:

1. Strengthen Incident Response Procedures
Ensure emergency plans are tested, documented, and ready to be activated. Define roles, escalation routes, and communication strategies for both internal staff and the public.

2. Prioritise Network Segmentation and Access Controls
Limit how far attackers can move across internal systems. Use least-privilege access, multi-factor authentication, and enhanced monitoring for high-risk accounts.

3. Conduct Regular Cyber Audits
Carry out proactive assessments to identify vulnerabilities in shared platforms, legacy systems, and third-party software. Our GDPR Audits help organisations identify and resolve high-risk gaps.

4. Improve Supplier Oversight
Review contracts and ensure third-party providers have clear obligations around security, breach notification, and resilience. A supplier failure can quickly escalate into a major council data breach.

5. Train Staff
Human error remains the top cause of data breaches. All staff, especially frontline teams, should receive regular data protection and cyber awareness training to identify phishing threats and respond safely.

6. Maintain Clear Resident Communications
Provide up-to-date information through trusted channels to prevent misinformation and reduce the risk of scammers exploiting anxious residents.

Our View

This incident reinforces an uncomfortable truth: public sector organisations remain on the frontline of cybercrime. While RBKC and its partner boroughs responded quickly and initiated emergency plans, the attack highlights the scale of risk created by interconnected systems and shared digital infrastructure. A council data breach has the potential to impact tens of thousands of residents, disrupt essential services, and undermine public confidence.

At Data Protection People, we support councils in building resilience through strong governance, independent audits, tailored training, and ongoing compliance support. Preventing an incident is always less costly — financially and reputationally — than recovering from one.

FAQs

Has resident personal data been confirmed as compromised?

It is not yet confirmed. Experts have stated that there is a possibility of personal data being affected, and residents are advised to remain cautious.

Why do cyber attacks target councils?

Councils hold large volumes of sensitive data and run essential public services, making them valuable targets for criminals.

Should residents worry about scams?

Yes. After any council data breach, attackers often exploit publicity to target residents with phishing messages. Treat unexpected contact with caution.

How long will disruption last?

RBKC has confirmed that full system restoration may take several days, depending on the investigation and recovery work.

Contact Us

If your council or organisation needs support strengthening cyber resilience, managing data breaches, or improving governance, our team can help. We offer Data Protection Support, GDPR Audits, and staff training to reduce risk and protect the people you serve. Contact us today.

The Top 5 Data Privacy Trends for 2026

2026 is set to be a busy year for data protection. From stronger AI governance to the rise of tools that safeguard personal data, these developments will redefine how we work and live online.

1. Rising Consumer Awareness and Demand for Transparency

Consumers have more awareness than ever on how their data is being collected and stored, and with that awareness comes growing concern about the risks involved:

  • 68% of consumers are concerned about the volume of data being collected by businesses
  • 80% of the general population expressed that they wished they knew more about how their personal data is being used online
  • 63% of global consumers believe that most companies aren’t transparent about how their data is used (all stats from Usercentrics)

As a result, more and more consumers are becoming proactive about their data privacy, with many turning off third-party cookies, using VPNs and enabling multifactor authentication on their devices. 

We expect this trend to continue into 2026 and beyond, so as a brand, it will pay to be upfront about how you’re protecting their data. Your privacy policy should be understandable, your opt-out options should be easy, and you should be training your team on privacy risks. 

2. Global Regulatory Expansion

There are 160 jurisdictions worldwide with their own privacy laws, each with its own nuances and requirements, and this number is growing. 

In the UK, the Data Use and Access Act 2025 is still rolling out, and in the States, there are a number of data privacy laws emerging in 2026. 

While overall, there are core data protection principles that translate globally, there are regional nuances that you need to pay attention to. If you’re a business that operates in a number of different territories, global compliance should be your priority in 2026.

3. AI Governance

In August 2026, the EU’s AI Act will fully implement rules around high-risk AI systems and transparency requirements, which means businesses must be accountable for how they use AI and safeguard individuals’ data.  

The EU’s framework requires organisations to document model training data, conduct risk assessments and ensure human oversight. For privacy teams, this means that AI governance and data protection are no longer separate. 

4. Zero-Party and First-Party Data Strategies

Many businesses rely on personal data to provide their customers with a personalised experience. But with stricter data laws, consumer expectations for transparency, and the phasing out of third-party cookies, this has become increasingly more difficult. 

That’s where zero- and first-part data comes into play. Zero-party data is information that your customers willingly share with you through surveys, chatbots and self-segmentation. It’s often much more valuable because it’s come straight from the horse’s mouth – so you know that’s what they genuinely want. 

First-party data is information you collect through your own channels, such as product views, social media engagement, and website visits. 

Customers do want personalised experiences, they’re just getting savvier about who they share their information with and when. 

5. Expansion of Privacy-Enhancing Tech

The Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) market is forecast to reach 12.26 billion USD in 2030, so we’re expecting this to be another major trend over the next few years. PETs are a set of tools that protect sensitive data, allowing its use but minimising privacy risks. 

There are a number of different types of PETs gaining traction:

  • Homomorphic encryption: Allows you to analyse encrypted data, so you can get results without seeing the raw data. 
  • Secure multi-party computation (SMPC): Allows multiple parties to add their private data and jointly compute on the combined data, protecting each party’s data from the others. 
  • Trusted execution environments (TEEs): Creates an isolated processing environment on a computer to protect data from the main code. 

The wider adoption of PETs is a trend we expect to see in 2026, as more businesses get to grips with what PETs are and how they can be used to benefit the business. 

6. Protect Your Customers’ Data With DPP

Whether you need GDPR training, data protection support, or an outsourced Data Protection Officer, we can help. Our experts can help you keep on top of the new trends, keeping you compliant and at the forefront of data protection. Get in touch with us today.

The Cost of Failing a GDPR Audit

A GDPR audit can expose weaknesses in how you collect, store and use personal data. Those weaknesses could lead to investigations and even substantial fines under some of the world’s strictest data protection laws. 

But fines are just one of the costs of failing a GDPR audit. In this article, we’ll discuss the financial consequences, the reputational costs and other harm that might come from failing a GDPR audit. 

What Is a GDPR Compliance Audit?

A General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance audit is an independent assessment of an organisation’s compliance with the GDPR. 

It is designed to help companies make sure that they are meeting their obligations under the GDPR, and identify any gaps or areas that need improvement.

Key areas auditors examine:

  • Data processing activities: How do you collect and process personal data?
  • Data storage & retention: How are you storing personal data, for how long and is it disposed of securely?
  • Consent management: How do you obtain, record and manage user consent? 
  • Security measures & breach response: What is your incident response policy?

Financial Costs of Failing a GDPR Audit

Failing to comply with GDPR can carry both direct and indirect financial consequences, regardless of business size.

Direct Fines and Penalties

Internal GDPR audits (like the ones Data Protection People conduct) don’t directly lead to fines, as auditors don’t issue fines. 

Third-party reports or complaints may trigger an investigation by a formal regulatory body like the ICO. Regulatory audits by the ICO are more formal, and therefore can lead to fines if evidence of non-compliance is found.

GDPR allows for fines up to 20 million euros or 4% of global revenue, whichever is higher. One of the biggest fines was for Meta in 2023 – a fine of 1.2 billion euros for transferring personal data of European users to the US without adequate protection.

Indirect Financial Impacts

Indirect costs include:

  • Legal fees if issues go to court
  • Remediation costs to fix non-compliance
  • Loss of contracts, clients, or business opportunities

Reputational Costs

While not a direct penalty, a data breach or non-compliance can lead to significant reputational damage. 

  • Loss of customer trust. A data breach or compliance failure can erode trust in the brand, leading customers to take their business elsewhere.  
  • Negative media coverage. If your brand is big or your case is particularly interesting, you may find that your GDPR non-compliance or breach makes the news. 
  • Competitive disadvantage. Your competitors will be more appealing to your customers if they are GDPR compliant, which could mean that you lose business. 

Operational and Internal Costs

There are more costs to consider – ones to the business itself. You might find that there is disruption to business operations during the investigation itself, with staff being redirected to auditing, fixing issues or retraining. 

How to Avoid Failing a GDPR Audit 

Failing a GDPR audit isn’t inevitable. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Conduct internal audits regularly
  • Implement privacy by design & default
  • Train staff and raise awareness
  • Maintain proper documentation
  • Consider external consultancy or DPO support

Conduct internal audits regularly

Annual audits are recommended to keep up with evolving regulations and to catch gaps early. If you launch a new service, merge with another company or have a data breach you should conduct one immediately.

Implement privacy by design & default

Integrating privacy from the very beginning of your data processing is the best way to ensure that you’re GDPR compliant throughout your systems, services and practices by default. 

Train staff and raise awareness

Human error is one of the common reasons why data breaches occur. Training your staff to be meticulous and to understand policies and procedures is one of the best things you can do to mitigate error, stay GDPR compliant and keep your business safe.

Maintain proper documentation

A core component of the accountability principle, you must maintain records of your data processing activities to stay compliant. The ICO has a helpful guide on how to document your processing activities. At Data Protection People, we have an extensive range of toolkits to use that helps you to remain compliant. 

Consider external consultancy or DPO support

Getting compliant and staying compliant can be complex, especially for staff with no previous experience in GDPR. That’s why you should consider external consultancy or DPO support – the experts know the regulations inside and out. 

Enquire About A GDPR Audit from Data Protection People Today

With a team of certified experts, Data Protection People can audit your data processes and help you identify where you might need to improve. Get in touch with the team about GDPR audits today.

Lessons For Data Retention

Santa’s Naughty List, Lessons For Data Retention

Data Protection Made Easy Podcast, Episode 228 – Hosted by Caine Glancy and Special Guest Katerina Douni

This week’s episode takes a festive look at one of the most common challenges in data protection, knowing what to keep, what to delete, and what to safely archive. Inspired by Santa’s famous naughty list, Caine Glancy and first time guest host Katarina Douni lead a lively discussion on data retention, storage limitation, and the practical steps organisations can take to stay compliant without holding information for longer than needed.

Katarina joined the podcast for her debut session and quickly set the tone with a clear message, many organisations continue to struggle with retention. She explored why data decisions matter, how retention periods should be approached, and why email is often the biggest culprit for uncontrolled storage. The session sparked strong engagement from our live audience and the chat was filled with questions, examples, and shared challenges around retention, erasure, and day to day pressures inside busy teams.

Caine and Katarina walked listeners through common problems such as the over use of email as a filing system, storing information long after its purpose has expired, and the difficulty teams face when deciding how long is long enough. They also discussed the risks of under collecting or over collecting information, the impact this has on storage limitation, and how organisations can simplify their retention rules to reduce confusion and avoid unnecessary risk.

As always, the live chat added a valuable layer to the discussion. Attendees shared their own retention periods, debated tricky scenarios, and raised questions that pushed the session further. The interactive nature of the podcast remains one of its key strengths and gives practitioners the chance to test ideas, compare approaches, and learn from each other in real time.

This episode is ideal for anyone who handles personal data, manages email systems, or oversees compliance. It provides clear explanations, relatable examples, and practical steps that can be applied immediately. With year end approaching, the timing could not be better for organisations reviewing their retention schedules or tackling email backlogs.

If you listened back on Spotify and want to join a future episode live, you can request an invite by emailing info@dataprotectionpeople.com. Live attendees can take part in the chat, ask questions, and access the deeper insight that comes from community discussion.

We host Data Protection Made Easy every Friday at 12:30 and new listeners are always welcome. Our community continues to grow each week with hundreds joining live and many more tuning in through audio platforms.

If you work in the housing sector, you may also be interested in our upcoming in person STAIRs event taking place on the 5th of February. Details can be found on our website and on LinkedIn.

Listen below and enjoy this festive and practical dive into data retention.

GDPR Radio – Digital Omnibus, Personal Data and SAR Reform

Digital Omnibus, Personal Data Changes and What They Mean for You

Episode 227 of the Data Protection Made Easy Podcast hosted by experts at Data Protection People. This episode was hosted live via Microsoft Teams in front of a live audience of listeners.

What We Covered in This Session

A Catch Up from Caine and Catarina

The episode opens with a look at what the team have been working on. Catarina reflects on a very busy week supporting a major client project alongside her team. Caine shares updates on ongoing STAIRs sessions for social housing providers and hints at an in person STAIRs event coming soon.

Both hosts also discuss their guest appearance on another organisation’s podcast where they explored how users understand privacy information, how organisations communicate their obligations and why cross functional training is so important.

The Digital Omnibus Package Explained

The main focus of the episode is the European Commission’s Digital Omnibus package, announced on 19 November. The discussion highlights several of the most significant proposals, including:

1. A New Approach to Personal Data

The proposal introduces a major shift. Information would be classed as personal data only if the controller has means reasonably likely to identify the individual.
The team explore:

  • how this could narrow the scope of personal data
  • what this means for indirect identifiers and pseudonymised data
  • how case law from Europe is already pushing towards this direction
  • how this might affect UK organisations if mirrored in future reforms

2. Changes to Data Breach Reporting

Catarina outlines proposals that:

  • raise the threshold so only high risk breaches need regulator notification
  • extend the deadline from 72 to 96 hours

Caine questions whether reducing low risk reporting could hide patterns of poor practice and the group debate what this means for real world compliance.

3. Reforms to Cookie Rules

The Digital Omnibus seeks to simplify cookie requirements by reducing reliance on consent for low risk purposes such as security and aggregated analytics. The team draw comparisons with the UK DUA Act and consider how consent fatigue has shaped this direction.

Insights from Guest Contributor David Appleyard

David shares two important observations:

1. SAR Purpose Tests

Under the new proposals, organisations may reject or charge for a SAR if the purpose is not to access personal data, for example in an employment dispute. This could be a significant change for many organisations that currently process large volumes of tactical or grievance based SARs.

2. High Risk AI Processing

David explains that the EU is pushing back deadlines for identifying high risk AI processing due to a lack of clear guidance, with expectations now set for no later than December 2027.

CNIL Research on Selling Personal Data

Caine introduces a study from the CNIL which found that 65 percent of surveyed French citizens would sell their personal data for between 1 and 100 euros. The hosts explore:

  • why people undervalue their own data
  • how advertising, profiling and AI training increase the true value
  • the growing need for public awareness and transparent communication

Looking Ahead

The session closes with a reminder that the next podcast will explore data retention, followed by an update that the team are working on the new in house DPP studio.

About the Data Protection Made Easy Community

Our podcast community is one of the most active privacy networks in the UK with more than 150 regular live attendees and over 1,600 subscribers across all audio platforms. Joining the community gives you access to:

  • free weekly live sessions with the chance to ask questions
  • practical guidance from experienced consultants
  • early access to slides and resources
  • networking with other privacy and security professionals
  • invites to in person events, workshops and sector focused discussions
  • exclusive content only available to our community members

Attending live offers clear benefits. You can join the conversation, shape the discussion, raise real world challenges and take part in polls, chat and Q and A. Many listeners tell us they get far more value from attending live than listening back later.

We also have a strong line up of sessions taking us through to the end of the year, covering topics such as data retention, AI risk, international transfers, STAIRs, marketing compliance and more.

If you are not yet part of the Data Protection Made Easy community, you can join for free and get involved straight away.

Subject Access Requests in Practice, Community Q and A

Subject Access Requests in Practice, Community Q and A

After our first SARs session, we picked up the phone and asked our listeners what they struggle with most in real life. They shared questions, tricky scenarios and points of disagreement. In this follow up episode of the Data Protection Made Easy podcast, Caine Glancy and Oluwagbenga Onojobi work through those issues live with members of our community.

What we discussed

In this session we explore:

  • Where to draw the line on property information as personal data in social housing
  • How far to go when providing repair history and tenancy records
  • SARs linked to disrepair claims, when to push back and when to provide more to be helpful
  • Redacting staff names in emails and HR files, and what counts as excessive redaction
  • How different organisations approach employment SARs and grievances
  • Using the third party exemption to protect staff and witnesses
  • Applying a reasonable and proportionate search so you focus your effort where it matters most
  • The importance of documenting decisions and communicating clearly with data subjects

Listeners share how they handle these issues in housing and HR, which gives a rounded view of what is happening on the ground, not just what the legislation says.

Who this session is for

  • Data Protection Officers and privacy leads
  • SAR handlers and information governance teams
  • Housing providers dealing with disrepair and complaint driven SARs
  • HR professionals managing employment SARs and grievances

If you are trying to balance transparency with protecting third party rights, you will find this discussion especially useful.

Listen back and join the community

You can listen back to this episode now on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

If you are not yet part of the Data Protection Made Easy community, complete our contact form and ask to join. Membership is free. You will receive a weekly invite to our live Friday sessions, access to visual materials, and ongoing support from over 1,500 like minded data protection practitioners.

Coming up next, GDPR Radio

This week our live Friday session is a GDPR Radio episode. Caine, Catarina and the team will be back to look at the latest news, enforcement action and real world challenges from across our community. If you would like to receive an invite, fill in our contact form and the team will add you to the mailing list.

Cookies in 2025 – Trick or Treat, Part Two

Cookies in 2025 – Trick or Treat, Part Two

This Halloween special of the Data Protection Made Easy Podcast dives into two hot topics, consent or pay and cookieless advertising. Watch or listen on demand below.

Recorded: Friday 7 November 2025

Hosts: Catarina Santos with guests Oluwagbenga Onojobi (Gbenga) and Holly Miller, cameo from Phil Brining

In this 30 minute session we focus on the implications of consent or pay under UK GDPR and what the move to cookieless advertising means in practice. We also touch on recent regulatory opinions and enforcement trends. The aim is simple, give you practical clarity that reduces risk without hurting conversions.

What we cover

  • The implications of consent or pay under UK GDPR and related data protection principles
  • How the transition to cookieless advertising affects the lawful use of personal data
  • Recent regulatory opinions and enforcement trends in the adtech space

Key takeaways

  • A clearer understanding of the data protection framework as it applies to modern advertising
  • Insights into compliance risks and regulator expectations
  • Discussion of the challenges organisations face when aligning commercial practices with data protection law

Your hosts

Catarina Santos with guests Oluwagbenga Onojobi (Gbenga) and Holly Miller, cameo from Phil Brining.

Join the Data Protection Made Easy community

One of the UK’s largest data protection communities, more than 1,500 subscribers, over 200 episodes on major audio platforms. Join for free, get weekly live invites, monthly newsletters, and first access to in person events.

Subscribe for free

Missed Part One

If you missed our first conversation on cookies, you can catch up on that episode, along with more than 200 others, on the Data Protection Made Easy Podcast.

Listen to Part One


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