Data Protection Compliance | Big Data

Big data technology

Big data refers to high-volume, high-velocity and high-variety assets (data) which are processed by computing software using a variety of algorithms and artificial intelligence to produce specific data.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in both the development and usage of big data technology, particularly in the commercial sphere with many sectors such as healthcare, MedTech and life sciences, insurance and the public sector all utilising it.

Big data and data protection

Any technology that focuses on the production, collection and utilisation of personal data will give rise to data protection implications as well as data governance and data ethics concerns.

Those involved will need to be mindful of:

the type of data that will be processed, in particular special category data

the purpose of obtaining the data

the method of obtaining the data

how the data is used and stored

Types of data

Understanding the type of data you are processing is crucial, given that this will have an impact upon the data protection requirements which will apply.

We can help you assess the purposes and types of data being processed to ensure compliance with the relevant rules. Given that high volumes of data are being processed, where any breaches of data protection laws occur, the sanctions can be serious.

Implications for data processors

Data processors need to be aware of specific provisions for big data, including profiling and transparency. There are specific rules under data protection laws and guidance to ensure transparency and that data subjects' rights are not being infringed.

We can assist data processors in a number of ways, including creating standard policies and procedures to standardise the process and ensure compliance with the rules.

Data Breaches

Our team can assist you in understanding whether your business has suffered a data breach and, where appropriate, advising on the next steps.
Data Breaches
Policies & Documents

We have a number of template policies and types of documentation to help your business comply with data protection law.
Policies & Documents
Auditing & Mapping

We can help you understand the flow of personal data within your organisation and implement any remedial actions to improve compliance.
Auditing & Data Mapping
International Reach

We can help you ensure your data processing activities are fully compliant with GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act worldwide.
International Reach of Data Protection Law
Cyber Security

Our team can advise you on full compliance with the requirements to ensure your business is not at risk of cyber crime.
Cyber Security & Cyber Crime

In 2016, we were one of the first law firms in Scotland to become accredited Living Wage employers.
Shortlisted for Firm of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2022.
Winners of Corporate & Commercial Team of the Year and Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2020.
Our Real Estate team won the Property Team of the Year Award at the British Legal Awards in 2018.
Winner of SME of the Year at the Scottish SME Awards 2017, hosted by Scottish Business Insider.
Highly Commended for Commercial Team of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2016.
In 2019, MacRoberts achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification, a UK Government entry-level information security standard.
MacRoberts holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management, the most widely recognised quality management system standard in the world.
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MacRoberts holds the ISO27001:2013 certification for Information Security, an internationally recognised security gold standard.
Business continuity is a critical element of the Business Management System at MacRoberts and we hold full accreditation with the ISO 22301:2019.
MacRoberts is a member of IP Inclusive, a network of intellectual property professionals working to make our community more equal, diverse and inclusive.
We are active members of the PRIME Programme – an organisation that focuses on ensuring a career in law is open to talent from all economic and social backgrounds.
MacRoberts supports the Scottish Business Pledge, a values-led partnership between Government and business that is based on boosting productivity and competitiveness through fairness, equality and sustainable employment.
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We are a member of the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI), a UK-based not-for-profit organisation which helps employers build and maintain diverse teams and inclusive cultures through our membership, training, and consultancy services.
In 2022, MacRoberts was awarded enei's Silver TIDEMark. TIDE is enei's self-assessment evaluation and benchmarking tool which measures an organisation's overall approach and progress on diversity and inclusion.
MacRoberts is a Disability Confident employer, and are committed to disability equality across our firm.
MacRoberts fully supports flexible working practices and supports family-friendly working practices.
In 2022, MacRoberts received a Bronze Award in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index for our commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusivity in the workplace.
MacRoberts is a longstanding member of Scotland Food & Drink, the leading trade association for Scotland's food and drink industry.
MacRoberts is an Associate Member of SELECT, Scotland's largest construction trade association.