For the first time courts will be able to jail people who trade in - or deliberately misuse - the personal data of others.
The Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) today said it planned to lock them up for up to two years, along with anyone else who might spread other people's private business about for other reasons.
Lord Falconer, Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, said:
"We are determined to do all we can to stamp out this intrusive and illegal trade".
The Government intends to amend section 60 of the DPA to increase the penalties available to the Courts. Currently section 60 provides for:
- On summary conviction, a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; and
- On conviction on indictment, a fine (unlimited).
- On summary conviction, up to six months imprisonment (increased to twelve months imprisonment in England and Wales when s154 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 comes into force); and
- On conviction on indictment, up to two years imprisonment.
As for when this will become law, the DCA says, "The Government will introduce this amendment when Parliamentary time allows".
We'll keep you informed!
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