British Airways settles data breach lawsuit
Plaintiffs in the British Airways Data Event Group Litigation have received notice of an agreed settlement over the 2018 data breach.
British Airways revealed on 7 September 2018 that there had been a breach of its security systems, leading to over 420,000 customers and staff having their personal data leaked, including names, debit and credit card numbers, addresses and email addresses.
A team from law firm PGMBM filed a claim on behalf of those affected in April 2020, and have welcomed the settlement, which resolves the largest group litigation order relating to personal data in UK history.
The resolution includes provision for compensation for qualifying claimants who were part of the litigation.
The resolution does not include any admission of liability by British Airways.
Harris Pogust, PGMBM Chairman, said: "We are very pleased to reach a resolution on this matter after constructive mediation with British Airways. The Information Commissioner’s Office laid out how BA did not take adequate measures to keep its passengers’ personal and financial information secure. However, this did not provide redress to those affected. This settlement now addresses that."
In July 2019, the Information Commissioner’s Office issued a notice of its intention to fine British Airways £183 million for infringements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The ICO later revised the fine down to £20 million, taking into account the impact of Covid-19 on BA’s business.
Pogust added: "The pace at which we have been able to resolve this process with British Airways has been particularly encouraging and demonstrates how seriously the legal system is taking mass data incidents."
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