Data Protection - Website builders protect yourself

This is my first blog post and I want to keep to an Internet based theme. Last week the ISO9001 audit was done in the company where I am technical director. The audit raised itself a few pointers that I think most people who develop websites and those that run them should be aware of.

Since I started my role here, I have implemented a number of procedures that need to be addressed, we are getting there may I add. Most of the websites that I develop have a database attached to them to collate data of people’s information. The Data Protection Act was a blessing for us consumers who don’t want our data passed onto other companies and being bombarded with sales calls. I sure am grateful. However for us that run websites aren’t lawyers and don’t necessarily know the ins and outs of all the legislation to data management.

So where do we stand as developers and site owners?

We all want to be protected and if you are collecting people’s information you should register with the ICO. www.ico.gov.uk If you are an agency or a developer you need to register because you are handling data. However, now this is where you should be aware, if your client wants access to that data that is collected, and they definitely will, they have to be aware of the implications of using it.

The client, owner of the website needs to be registered with ICO as well. Notification costs an annual fee of £35, no VAT charged. This fee is payable to the Information Commissioner's Office.

So why go to such lengths? At the end of the day, it’s the law, but also if you abide by data protection law, people will feel more comfortable giving you their information and you in turn can then build upon the relationship and provide them a better service and in the long run create more profit.