Sure fined £80,000 for poor handling of data and mistakes in last year's phone book

The 2019/2020 book sparked a number of complaints from islanders when it was released last year and resulted in an investigation by Data Protection Authority.

Following an inquiry into the collation and publication of the book, it was found that there had been a lack of transparency as to how personal data was to be processed and it was published with personal data inaccuracies and, in some cases, was contrary to subscribers’ wishes.

But Sure has criticised the investigation, with a spokesperson said it was a flawed and unfair investigation process.

DPA chairman Richard Thomas said this was the first fine that the Data Protection Authority had imposed under the new law.

'It was unanimously agreed by all members of the authority,' he said.

'Although this fine is substantially lower than the maximum which the law permits, we hope it will bring home the importance of taking great care with people’s personal information.'

The Bailiwick’s Data Protection Commissioner, Emma Martins, said that the data protection law provided organisations with a range of accountability tools to ensure appropriate technical and organisational measures are in place, including being prepared to deal swiftly and effectively with any breach.

'In taking this action, the authority has responded appropriately and proportionately to the evidenced compliance failures,' she said.

'We welcome the positive steps Sure have taken since this incident to ensure better data governance of the personal data in their care.'

A Sure spokesperson has apologised to customers for the mistakes, but said that the company was disappointed and surprised by the DPA's ruling.

'From our initial review of the ruling we disagree profoundly with the findings of the ODPA’s investigation, some of which were not put to us during the investigation and some of which are in our opinion factually incorrect,' they said.

'As such, we are now considering the ruling in detail before we formally respond.'

The 2020/2021 phone book is set to be released in November.

The £80,000 fine will be paid to the States of Guernsey general revenue account. Sure (Guernsey) Limited has the right to appeal the fine.