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Management

Are you breaking privacy laws?

Tuesday, 05 December 2006

The 3M Privacy Filter not only helps prevent computer users from contracting Computer Vision Syndrome, it also protects you from unauthorised people seeing your material onscreen

You could be breaking the law if unauthorised people see confidential or sensitive information on your screen. Designed to protect individuals’ rights to confidentiality, The Data Protection Act (1998) covers the collection, storage and use of all personal information in the UK (from customer databases to personnel files).

The Act states: ‘Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data.’

The Act gives further guidance on matters that should be taken into account in deciding whether security measures are ‘appropriate’. These are:

Taking into account the state of technological development at any time and the cost of implementing any measures, the measures must ensure a level of security appropriate to:

The harm that might result from a breach of security;
The nature of the data to be protected.

The data controller must take reasonable steps to ensure the reliability of staff having access to the personal data.

Understanding the multitude of sections, sub-sections and changes in the laws can take an army of professional advisers. And then implementation requires more effort, especially in relation to computer use. Can you be confident that all your employees understand the ramifications?

Added to which is protection of corporate data. It is estimated that, globally, corporation secrets valued at $250 billion are stolen each year as a result of indiscreet business practices.

In an open office environment it can be almost impossible to enter, view or manipulate sensitive information on computers without others viewing. Privacy filters for computer monitors are a simple, low-cost solution to help you comply with privacy laws – and ensure confidential information remains private.

Working in an open office environment on contractual matters the majority of which are highly sensitive, Mark Coulson, procurement specialist at Vodafone, uses a 3M Privacy Filter to ensure confidentiality. “The vast majority of my business negotiations are highly confidential, very often involving shared sensitive information with my legal colleagues. They include reviewing confidential contracts, drawing up price negotiation strategies and reviewing the financial standing of potential suppliers.

“As well as ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act, it is vital that we maintain our Vodafone promise to our customers of total confidentiality. Since I’ve added the 3M Privacy Filter to my screen, I no longer feel paranoid about shutting confidential files down quickly if people unauthorised to see sensitive data approach me to discuss other business.”

Using innovative micro-louvre technology, 3M Privacy Filters operate like tiny vertical blinds, restricting the viewing angle, so that only the person seated directly in front of the monitor sees the information displayed. People viewing from either side see a blank, dark screen.

For people working on the move – in planes, trains and cafés – the laptop privacy filter ensures computer secrets do not get into the wrong hands. Made from slim, lightweight, durable polycarbonate they attach easily and neatly to the screen and remain securely in place even when the laptop is closed. 3M Filters also help with compliance to office health and safety regulations.

They virtually eliminate glare, to help prevent eyestrain. After just a couple of hours working at a computer, people are at risk of suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome, which is defined by the American Optometric Association as ‘that complex of eye and vision problems related to computer use, dry or irritated eyes, neck and/or backaches, light sensitivity and tired eyes.’ The long-term effects of CVS, according to the AOA, may include poor performance on the job, lost time and aggravation of existing vision conditions.

Only 3M anti-glare filters are ISO compliant. They also block screen radiation, reduce static charge and dust build-up and when used with LCD monitors, protect them from scratches and damage. In black or beige, to fit most laptop and desktop monitors, they are available from computer and office equipment suppliers.

For more information, call 01234 229 470 for stockists, check out www.3m.com/computerfilters or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for a free virtual sample.