A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

What can result from breaching the Data Protection Act?

1. Increased company reputation

2. Legal repercussions and fines

3. Improved data processing methods

4. Broader consumer data sharing options

The correct answer is: Legal repercussions and fines

The breach of the Data Protection Act can lead to legal repercussions and fines because the Act is designed to protect individuals' personal data from misuse. Violating the provisions of the legislation can result in investigations and enforcement actions taken by data protection authorities. These authorities have the power to impose significant fines on organizations that fail to comply with the obligations set forth by the Act, as well as potential legal actions from affected individuals. In contrast, the other options may suggest outcomes that are generally positive or beneficial for a company but do not align with the consequences of breaching data protection laws. For instance, breaching the Data Protection Act typically does not improve a company's reputation; rather, it can damage it and lead to a loss of trust among consumers. Similarly, it would not enhance data processing methods or broaden consumer data sharing options, as these would typically require adherence to data protection principles.