Data protection remains a critical compliance area for businesses across Northern Ireland. With the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) stepping up enforcement activity, Belfast solicitors are advising businesses to review their data protection practices as a matter of priority.
Key Obligations
Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, businesses in Northern Ireland must:
- Register with the ICO — Most organisations that process personal data must pay a data protection fee to the ICO.
- Maintain a lawful basis for processing — Every processing activity must be justified under one of the six lawful bases, such as consent, contract, or legitimate interest.
- Respond to data subject requests — Individuals have the right to access, rectify, and request deletion of their personal data, and organisations must respond within one month.
- Report data breaches — Certain personal data breaches must be reported to the ICO within 72 hours and, in some cases, to the affected individuals.
Common Compliance Gaps
Belfast solicitors frequently identify the following compliance gaps in local businesses:
- Outdated or missing privacy notices on websites and in employee contracts
- Failure to maintain adequate records of processing activities
- Inadequate data processing agreements with third-party suppliers
- Lack of staff training on data protection responsibilities
Enforcement Trends
The ICO has signalled its intention to take a more robust approach to enforcement in 2026, with particular focus on direct marketing, data security, and the use of cookies and tracking technologies. Fines for serious breaches can reach up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover.
Belfast businesses are encouraged to seek specialist data protection advice to ensure compliance and avoid the reputational and financial consequences of a breach.