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Data protection and cyber law

Organizations of all sizes are facing greater public scrutiny around data at the same time as changing regulations and increasing external and internal threats. We advise on how to store, process and manage data in line with international rules.
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Advances in data processing and technology present a huge opportunity for your business – but recent scandals involving major multinationals have shown how damaging any breach of these systems can be.

Organizations in all sectors face a triple threat of greater scrutiny from the public and regulators, more stringent data protection regulation and increasing external and internal threats.

It is not only large corporations that are under attack, this affects clients of all sizes. In one shocking recent case, we acted for a small company that had fallen victim to ransomware, used to steal data that is then withheld until a ransom is paid. We reviewed their legal responsibilities with reference to how mission-critical the stolen information was. Ultimately the client opted not to pay the ransom that had been demanded and took our advice on how to strengthen its online protection.
 

We cut through regulatory jargon and help you to manage risks efficiently

Whatever the scale of your business, we will advise you on how to store, process and manage data to ensure compliance with the ever-expanding body of international rules and regulations. Our firm regularly deals with cross-border data protection issues and we have reviewed privacy compliance for a leading internet brand and conducted data privacy audits for international manufacturers. 

If you fear you may be vulnerable to threats arising from employees losing data, systems being inadequate or information being taken by clandestine means, we offer guidance on protective measures to take. When a data breach has occurred, we advise as to who needs to be notified and how to communicate with your clients, if necessary, calling on colleagues in our reputation management team to assist. When one client faced legal action over a major data-handling failure, we helped its management team with regulatory fallout and negotiated a quick settlement.

We have also assisted a number of clients in dealing with regulatory investigations in relation to marketing practices, including a major investigation of the charity fundraising sector by the UK Information Commissioner, which has received extensive press coverage. We frequently deal with issues around data subject access requests, working with colleagues in our employment and other teams to deal with requests for data disclosure, often in the context of wider disputes. We are also active members of the International Association for Privacy Professionals (IAPP), which offers access to a rich database of privacy know-how and professionals worldwide.

<< IP AND DATA PROTECTION

Our team

Ben Williams

Ben Williams

Partner | London

Ben Williams

Partner | London

Intellectual property and technology

Email Ben
+44 20 7597 6153
Kenneth Mullen

Kenneth Mullen

Partner | London

Kenneth Mullen

Partner | London

Intellectual property and technology

Email Kenneth
+44 20 7597 6189
Doron S. Goldstein

Doron S. Goldstein

Partner | New York

Doron S. Goldstein

Partner | New York

Corporate

Email Doron
+1 212 848 9855
Hugh More

Hugh More

Partner | London

Hugh More

Partner | London

Employment

Email Hugh
+44 20 7597 6575
Sarah Barker

Sarah Barker

Partner | London

Sarah Barker

Partner | London

Art law

Email Sarah
+44 20 7597 6838
Jacopo Liguori

Jacopo Liguori

Partner | Milan

Jacopo Liguori

Partner | Milan

Intellectual Property and Technology

Email Jacopo
+39 02 8821 4204 (Milan) +39 04965311 (Padua)
Jo Sanders

Jo Sanders

Partner | London

Jo Sanders

Partner | London

Litigation and Arbitration

Email Jo
+44 20 7597 6009
Richard Penfold

Richard Penfold

Partner | London

Richard Penfold

Partner | London

Intellectual property and technology

Email Richard
+44 20 7597 6249
View more

Insight

4 January 2023 | article

Virtual Try-On Tools: Can you stop brands trying it on with consumers?

22 July 2022 | article

Cross-border data transfers between Hong Kong and mainland China - what do we need to know?

14 July 2022 | article

Cybersecurity in Singapore: building resilience in the digital age

20 June 2022 | article

A new frontier: brand protection and elevation in the metaverse

20 April 2022 | firm news

Withers Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity partner recognized as BTI Client Service All-Star 2022

15 December 2021 | article

Contractor data leaks in Singapore: a holistic approach towards risk mitigation

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