Category: Data Group Actions
Steering Committee in group actions
As specialists in group actions, we are used to representing huge client cohorts to fight against common defendants. Many people may have a basic understanding of what a group action is, but most may not know exactly how the legal proceedings work in these lawsuits. A Steering Committee is normally one of the key elements needed to bring a group action to court.
We are always keen to demystify consumer claims for our clients, as we believe that understanding more about the process can help them to feel confident and reassured about their claim. Any claimants who join our group actions can be sure that we will keep them updated at every step of the process.
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.
The easyJet cyberattack – victims can still claim compensation
The easyJet cyberattack was revealed to the public in May last year, when the airline admitted that as many as nine million customers had been affected by the hack. Labelled “highly sophisticated” by easyJet, many victims were made vulnerable to cybercrime and security risks as a result of the incident.
A year may have passed since news of the breach hit the headlines, but easyJet still needs to be held accountable. If you were affected by the cyberattack, you can still sign up to stand up for your rights and claim the compensation you deserve.
With over six years of experience in data breach claims, we have the expertise to guide and support you through the process. Moreover, as specialists in group actions, we know that there is strength in numbers. By standing up to easyJet in a collective action, we could recover huge compensation pay-outs for our claimants. You can contact us today to start your No Win, No Fee claim.
Group Action Lawsuit in the UK
A group action lawsuit in the UK usually involves collating multiple similar claims against a common Defendant(s) to fight for justice in one lawsuit.
When all claimants join the same group action, it can increase the efficiency of the legal battle and can also strengthen the force which lawyers can oppose the Defendant with.
At The Group Action Lawyers, we are pioneers of group action lawsuits in the UK, having represented thousands of claimants in dozens of group and multi-party claims. From huge actions against medical manufacturers, to our ground-breaking work in the emissions lawsuits against carmakers, our experience stretches far and wide. We are here to help anyone who thinks their consumer rights may have been violated, as we aim to hold both large corporations and local organisations to account for their abuse of power.
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.
Arup data breach exposes private employee data
A cybersecurity incident at a third-party payroll provider has provoked a data breach at Arup, a professional services company. Affecting many former and current employees, the Arup data breach has reportedly exposed details disclosed for the purposes of paying employees’ wages.
Arup has yet to publish information on the number of people affected, but they have sent a data breach notification to let victims know which details may have been compromised. We have already accepted compensation cases for victims of the Arup data breach on a No Win, No Fee basis. Anyone affected by an incident like this may be entitled to recover compensation under the law, as data controllers have a legal obligation to protect the information that they hold and process.
If Arup has informed you of your involvement in the data breach, we can offer free, no-obligation advice to you regarding your potential compensation claim.
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.
Birmingham City Council data breach
Following an error by council staff, the Birmingham City Council data breach has reportedly exposed the private details of residents, potentially including those of vulnerable children.
We understand that the breach arose as a result of the accidental publication of private information to a site that was freely accessible to members of the public.
Though the council has stated that the mistake was corrected quickly, it is nevertheless true that the victims’ data could have reached the hands of malicious people. Any situation in which personal data is exposed in this way should be treated seriously and, in many cases, it may be possible for those affected to claim compensation. It can also be possible to represent victims for a legal case on a No Win, No Fee basis.
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.
British Airways group action deadline – do not miss your chance to claim!
The British Airways group action deadline has received a short extension to summer 2020, which may mark the final end as to when people can sign-up for a legal case and take part in the GLO.
The first BA data breach emerged almost three whole years ago in 2018, and The Group Action Lawyers has been taking on claims for almost as long. However, there are still thousands of customers who have still not made their claim yet.
If all 400,000 victims claim, they could be sharing a total compensation pay-out of up to an estimated £2.4 billion, according to current estimations based on case law and settled claims information. All you should need to claim is proof that BA notified you of your involvement in one of their two data breaches in 2018, so do not hesitate to register on the BA Group Action site here if you think you are eligible.
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.