Allotments at risk from aliens

Mon 23 Apr 2018, 11:12

Ah! Here you go:
A new threat is hanging over the nation's allotments ?" and it has nothing do with brassicas or peonies, but a piece of EU legislation called the general data protection regulation.

The new law, which will come into force on May 25, is aimed at protecting individuals from having their personal details misused by big businesses.

It was directed at internet giants such as Google, Facebook and other large firms but has had the unexpected consequence of requiring every membership organisation to comply.

Organisations, be they local football teams, bowls clubs, the Women's Institute or allotment societies, must abide by the new rules ?" that is, any place where people's details are kept on computer.

They have to ask all their members for permission to be contacted and permission for their data to be kept.

Laurie Brizi, of Kidbrooke Park Allotment Association in southeast London, said: "I have no doubt GDPR is there to address those unscrupulous companies that sell customers' data, but as a volunteer on a small allotment committee, it's going to increase my admin significantly for minimal value."

Among many requirements, clubs and societies will have to: understand what personal data is collected and why; legally justify holding each piece of data; update consent requests to be opt-in rather than opt-out; and encrypt personal data on any electronic devices.

There are particular fears about charities and their ability to raise funds because of the insistence that people opt in to receiving communications from them.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations said: "If you're saying you're going to stop contacting people, that does potentially have an impact on fundraising, and some charities are anticipating a hit in the short term."

Currently the highest fine for breaching data protection rules is £500,000. Under GDPR, fines could go as high as £17.5m, or 4% of global annual turnover for serious breaches.

The National Allotment Society said it hopes the new rules will not be "too challenging" for its members, which rely on the goodwill of enthusiastic gardeners to run allotment committees.

@jrgillespie2000