Tag: class actions
The third anniversary of the GDPR
This May, we have reached the third anniversary of the GDPR, which was introduced in the UK and across the EU in 2018. Seen as a momentous event for data security, the General Data Protection Regulation was predicted to overhaul data protection policies in UK businesses and organisations, affording data subjects greater rights and securities.
Designed to update data protection for the digital age, the GDPR requires that all data controllers use the appropriate technical cybersecurity measures and organisational strategies when processing and holding personal information. To some extent, important changes have been made, but it seems many data controllers have yet to fully grasp what their legal obligations are under the GDPR.
Unfortunately, there has been no major downturn in the occurrence of data breaches over the last few years, which have left countless victims worrying about the mishandling and/or exposure of their private information. Over more than 6 years of representing victims for privacy matters, we have seen how profoundly victims have been affected by incidents. We will be here to support victims in making data breach claims for as long as organisations neglect their data protection duties.
Watford Community Housing data breach- one year on
In late March 2020, a data breach at Watford Community Housing Trust caused the exposure of thousands of tenants’ personal information. The information, much of which was highly sensitive in nature, was mistakenly leaked in an email. This was an error which, though simple, has caused distress and security risks for many of the victims.
We believe that there continues to be little understanding of the repercussions that victims can suffer following a data breach. However, we are determined to change this disregard by supporting clients to achieve the justice they deserve. The GDPR can entitle victims to claim compensation for their involvement in a data breach and the damage caused, so we can help anyone affected by the Watford Community Housing data breach to assert this legal right.
You can contact us today or sign up for a call-back to find out if you may be eligible to claim compensation.
Midlands News Association data breach causes exposure of journalists’ personal information
A report by HoldtheFrontPage has recently reported that the Midlands News Association has been faced with a data breach incident, after an unauthorised third party is understood to have accessed private folders.
It is believed that data relating to former journalists of the regional newspaper was published online after being downloaded. The MNA reportedly maintain that the published data is “difficult to download and access”, but the risks for the victims could be significant.
When a data controller fails to protect private information, they can be held accountable under the law here in the UK. The victims of data breaches can often be entitled to recover compensation for any harm caused to them. As such, anyone affected by the Midlands News Association data breach can contact us for advice on their potential claim. We may be able to offer No Win, No Fee legal representation.
Customers notified of Fat Face data breach
Fashion retailer Fat Face recently released an email to customers which has brought a data breach from earlier this year to the public’s attention. It is routine for companies to notify customers of data protection breaches, but this email comes a long time after the Fat Face data breach occurred, and reportedly included a request that customers keep the details of the breach private.
It has also been claimed that Fat Face paid a ransom to a cybercrime gang after the data breach occurred in January, but this allegation has yet to be confirmed by Fat Face itself or by ICO investigators.
Nevertheless, it is worrying that customers remained unaware of the breach for over two months, as it may mean that they may not have been vigilantly monitoring potential security risks or data misuse. If it emerges that Fat Face can be held liable for the breach, those who were notified of their involvement in the data breach may be eligible to claim compensation.
Hundreds of victims of breast surgeon Ian Paterson yet to be identified
Disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson was imprisoned several years ago, having being found guilty on 17 counts of wounding with intent.
The criminal prosecution only scratched the surface of what may have been going on, with widespread beliefs that many more patients could have been harmed by Paterson. Recent reports have suggested that hundreds of Paterson’s patients have yet to be contacted, meaning that many more might be still in the dark about the mistreatment that they may have been exposed to.
Some victims have already been awarded compensation for the harm caused to them, but we suspect that many more may be entitled to claim. Paterson’s undeniable guilt has strengthened the legal action against him. We encourage any further victims to come forward for advice, even if the hospital has yet to contact you.
SITA data breach affects hundreds of thousands of passengers worldwide
In late February, the SITA data breach was revealed as a powerful cyberattack, which comprised of a server holding information relating to hundreds of thousands of air passengers.
Labelled as “highly sophisticated” by the company, it is understood that the wide-reaching cyberattack has not affected “highly sensitive” data, but it nevertheless demonstrates that IT systems can be severely vulnerable as hackers continue to enhance and advance their methods.
In fact, it has long been apparent that travel companies are often vulnerable to cyberattacks. They hold a wealth of sensitive data about their customers, including passport details and payment card information. A such, airlines and hotel chains can be a prime target for hackers. British Airways, which is understood to be implicated in the SITA data breach, succumbed to two major data breaches in 2018, for which we are currently representing claimants in a group action.
Nissan and Renault emissions claims
Nissan and Renault, two manufacturers in the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance, are among the numerous manufacturers to have been implicated in the ongoing car emissions scandals, which has its origins in the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ scandal of 2015. If it emerges that these manufacturers did cheat emissions tests, victims may be eligible to make Nissan and Renault emissions claims.
The emissions scandals may have caused untold damage to human health and to the environment due to the alleged excessive production of toxic emissions. Further, if allegations are proven to be true, customers may have been mis-sold their vehicles on false pretences, and they deserve some form of justice.
We encourage anyone who has owned or leased a potentially affected model to come forward, because we think it may emerge that their consumer rights have been breached based on the allegations made so far.
Mercedes emissions compensation claim
The enquiries into car emissions irregularities have been ongoing ever since Volkswagen hit the headlines in 2015 over allegations that they had manipulated vehicular systems to cheat emissions tests. While only Volkswagen has been proven to have engaged in misleading practices in the UK’s courts so far, allegations have been levelled at several other car manufacturers. Of those, we are representing people who are making a Mercedes emissions compensation claim with us on a No Win, No Fee basis.
As specialists in group action lawsuits, we are accustomed to holding large corporations to account on behalf of consumers. When it comes to emissions, we were the first firm to issue High Court proceedings in the action against Volkswagen in England and Wales. We represent our clients in order to uphold their rights as consumers, so we want to make sure that no affected car owners miss out on their chance to access justice.
Join the Virgin Media data breach class action
The Virgin Media data breach class action has been in progress for almost a year now as we continue to take on clients affected by the data breach that came to light in March last year.
Up to 900,000 victims, all of whom had their personal data exposed by failings in the company’s data protection policies, could be eligible to claim compensation.
If you were notified by Virgin Media of your involvement in the breach, head to the Virgin Media group action site to start your claim now. The negligence of Virgin Media should not go unpunished. At The Group Action Lawyers, we know all too well how the collective force of a group action can be powerful in holding companies to account.
Claim for the Transform Hospital Group data breach
For clients of the Transform Hospital Group, 2020 ended with the distressing news that their private data had been exposed in a malicious ransomware attack.
As a plastic surgery chain, the group holds extremely sensitive information about their patients, including surgery photos known as “before and after” images. It is understood that such photos are the subject of the ransomware attack, with some 500 gigabytes of it being held.
The affected customers may now be living in constant fear of their sensitive information being published online, as well as their details being misused in order to commit fraud or identity theft. With such sensitive information at risk, customers are, unsurprisingly, very distressed by the prospect of targeted exposure and humiliation. At the Group Action Lawyers, we have already begun taking on claimants, and we foresee that a group action may be brought if more claims are made, allowing us to launch a collective fight for justice.