By Graham Hayday, 15 August 2000 00:30
NEWS Online security fears are stifling ecommerce. Consumers have nowhere to turn if a security problem arises, and that powerlessness is damaging all ebusinesses, not just those guilty of error.
The Data Protection Act is a strong law, but without a well-funded and experienced team of enforcers behind it, it's worthless.
The Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) should fulfil this role, but it lacks the resources and political weight to do so. Ecommerce is losing out every day that the Data Protection Commissioner fails to investigate consumer complaints.
We call for:
The DPC to enforce existing legislation, forcing companies to:
a. Keep personal data encrypted and secured behind firewalls.
b. Inform all affected customers when a breach of security is discovered.
The DPC to act as an advocate for consumers.
The Government to increase the DPC's resources to allow it to carry out these duties.
The Commons Trade and Industry Select Committee to conduct a full review of the enforcement powers of the DPC.
Ecommerce will never take off while consumers are afraid to transact business online. The business community must act to ensure that consumers can provide personal information without fear.
Make ecommerce trustworthy. Back the Act.
To get involved, contact: backtheact@silicon.com
In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.
Log in or create your silicon.com account below