Airports must collect a lot of personal information from passengers travelling through the facility. This can include contact information, passport information and even financial data. This information is necessary for airport authorities to manage passenger flow and ensure safety and security. However, if this personal data is not protected properly, it can lead to a data breach. The consequences of an airport data breach could include emotional distress and financial harm.
This guide aims to provide useful information to individuals who have been affected by a wrongful data breach at an airport and wish to file a compensation claim. The guide will cover the eligibility criteria for making a claim and the relevant laws safeguarding personal data. Furthermore, it will explain the potential causes of a data breach at an airport and offer examples of previous payouts for similar claims.
It is vital for those who have suffered from an airport data breach to understand their rights. This guide will offer a comprehensive overview of the legal protections available to individuals whose personal data has been compromised. It will outline the compensation claim process. Furthermore, it will illustrate common scenarios where data breaches may happen at airports, such as cyber-attacks or human error. Plus, it will describe the possible harm to individuals caused by such breaches. Finally, the guide will discuss recent cases of compensation payouts for claims related to airport data breaches and how the compensation amount is determined.
Next Steps And Getting Help
Upon reading this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria for making a compensation claim. Plus, you’ll be aware of the laws that safeguard your personal data. You will also gain valuable insights into the potential impact of airport data breaches and the compensation you may be entitled to.
If you have questions while reading or would like an advisor to check whether you could be eligible for data breach compensation, you can:
- Call 0800 408 7827
- Use Live Chat
- Complete the contact us form, and an advisor will respond.
Can I Claim For An Airport Data Breach
If you are a victim of an airport data breach, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Compensation could be awarded for material harm and/or distress you have suffered. According to the Data Protection Act 2018, individuals have the right to claim compensation for a data breach that has caused them harm or distress. However, you must prove that the airport authority acted wrongfully in exposing your personal data.
Call our helpline to determine whether you could make a claim for an airport data breach. An advisor could check your case to see if you could claim.
How Long Do I Have To Make An Airport Data Breach Claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have six years to claim compensation for an airport data breach. This means that you must bring your claim within six years of the date of the data breach. Or, the date on which you became aware of the breach.
However, there could be some exceptions to this. These could include situations where the data breach victim is under 18. Or, for cases involving public bodies. To find out how long you could have to launch your claim, please call an advisor.
How Could An Airport Data Breach Happen?
An airport data breach could occur in several ways, including:
- Hacking: Cybercriminals may hack into airport computer systems to steal personal data.
- Insider theft: Employees of the airport may steal personal data and sell it on the black market.
- Physical theft: Personal data may be stolen from lost or stolen laptops, USB drives, or other storage devices.
- Human error: Airport staff may accidentally send personal data to the wrong person or leave it on public display.
Not every airport breach could lead to a claim. To check if you could claim for the harm caused to you by such a breach, why not get in touch?
What Harm Could An Airport Data Breach Cause?
An airport data breach may result in various types of damage. This could include financial losses, service disruptions, personal information compromise, national security compromise, and loss of trust. The airport and its passengers could both suffer financial losses, with the former incurring legal fees, investigations, and fines, and the latter at risk of financial crimes like identity theft and credit card fraud. Cybercriminals could exploit a data breach to access personal information like passengers’ names, addresses, passport details, and travel itineraries and use it for malicious purposes like fraud and identity theft.
The harm to passengers might not only be financial, either. It could cause emotional distress. Should wrongful action by an airport lead to personal data being exposed, a person could worry about the potential impact to the level at which their mental health is impacted.
Should you be eligible to make a claim for a data breach by an airport, you could be awarded compensation for both the financial harm and the non-material damages you suffer. Please call an advisor to find out more.
The Heathrow Airport Data Breach – What Happened?
In 2019, there was a data breach that happened at Heathrow airport.
The 2019 Heathrow Airport data breach affected approximately 2.5 million passengers. The breach happened when a member of airport staff accidentally sent an unencrypted file containing sensitive personal data to an unauthorised third party. The data included names and addresses, as well as passport numbers, and travel plans too.
As a consequence of the breach, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who is the body responsible for enforcing data protection law, imposed a fine of £2.5 million on Heathrow Airport.
What Data Breach Compensation Could I Get If An Airport Breached My Data?
The amount of compensation for an airport data breach depends on several factors, such as the nature and extent of the harm or distress caused by the breach. Compensation could be awarded for financial harm caused by the breach. It could also be awarded for distress.
The Judicial College Guidelines provide a framework for calculating compensation in personal injury cases in England and Wales, including data breach claims. The guidelines consider factors such as the severity of thre psychological harm, the duration of the impact, and the effect on the victim’s daily life.
Examples of the amounts considered appropriate for psychological injuries in the guidelines can be found below:
- Severe – £54,830 to £115,730
- Moderately Severe – £19,070 to £54,830
- Moderate – £5,860 to £19,070
- Less Severe – £1,540 to £5,860
These are only guidelines, however. If you would like insight into what compensation you could receive, please call the helpline. An advisor could help you.
Getting Help With Your Data Breach Compensation Claim
If you have experienced an airport data breach in the UK, it can be challenging to go through the claims process independently. This is where a data breach solicitor can offer valuable assistance. Below are some of the benefits of engaging a data breach solicitor when making an airport data breach claim in the UK:
- Expert advice – A data breach solicitor can provide you with expert advice on the eligibility criteria for making a claim, the relevant laws and regulations, and the claims process itself.
- Experience – A data breach solicitor could have experience in handling similar cases and can provide you with insights into the best strategies for maximising your compensation payout.
- Improved chance of success – By enlisting the help of a data breach solicitor, you have a better chance of achieving a favourable outcome, as they will be able to gather the necessary evidence and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
- Reduced stress – Dealing with a compensation claim on your own can be stressful, time-consuming, and overwhelming. A data breach solicitor can handle most of the work, reducing your stress levels and allowing you to focus on other important matters.
In conclusion, if you have been impacted by an airport data breach in the UK, it is strongly advised to seek the help of a data breach solicitor. They can provide valuable advice, reduce stress, and improve your chances of obtaining a higher compensation payout.
Make A No Win No Fee Airport Data Breach Claim
No Win No Fee contracts are legal arrangements where a solicitor agrees to take on a client’s case without charging any upfront fees. The solicitor will only receive payment for their services if the claim is successful. If the claim is unsuccessful, the solicitor will not be paid, and the client will not be liable for any legal fees.
This type of arrangement can be made under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). The CFA outlines the terms of the agreement. This includes the percentage of the compensation that the solicitor will receive if the claim is successful. This percentage is capped under the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013.
Please get in touch to find out if one of our panel of data breach solicitors could take on your claim under a CFA. An advisor could help you start a claim today if you’re eligible to do so.
- Call 0800 408 7827
- Use Live Chat
- Contact Us Online
Find Out More About Data Breach Compensation Claims
The Heathrow Airport Data Breach – You can read about this incident here.
How To Protect Your Personal Data – Advice from the government.
How To Report A Data Breach – Find out where to start here.
Bank Data Breach – Find out if you could claim for a bank’s exposure of your data.
Wage Data Breach – If your employer has breached your wage data, this guide could be useful.
Data Breach FAQ – Finally, find answers to common questions here.