Data spikes

8 July 2019 By Ed Cropley Follow @edwardcropley

The UK data commissioner wants to fine the airline 183 mln pounds after customer information was stolen last year. Even though that is at the lower end of the possible penalties, it dwarfs what Facebook had to pay under old rules and sets a higher bar for such security breaches.

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Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said on July 8 it would fine British Airways 183 million pounds for infringing European Union data-protection rules, called GDPR, that came into force in 2018.

The fine came after the personal data of approximately 500,000 customers was compromised by hacking that was believed to have begun in June 2018 and which the airline notified the ICO about in September 2018.

British Airways Chairman and Chief Executive Alex Cruz said he was “surprised and disappointed” by the decision. The airline’s parent, International Airlines Group, said it would defend the airline’s position vigorously, including making any necessary appeal.

IAG shares were down 0.6% at 453 pence by 0825 GMT on July 8.

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