Fines for data protection breaches doubled in 2016

The number and value of fines handed out by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for breach of UK data protection laws nearly doubled in the last year, The Brief reports. Figures obtained from the ICO show that 35 fines worth £3.2 million were issued in 2016, up from 18 fines worth £2 million in 2015. The figures suggest a steady increase in the value of ICO fines over data protection breaches, which totalled only £541,000 in 2011. Accountants PwC have said the figures show the UK was “one of the most active regions for regulatory enforcement action in Europe last year”. The second-highest fines last year were in Italy, where regulators issued fines worth €3.3 million (£2.9 million).