Data Protection Day: 28 January 2026 Busting the Biggest Data Protection Myths

Data Protection Day is the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and challenge some of the most common myths we still hear about data protection. Misunderstandings can lead to unnecessary fear, poor decisions, or even non‑compliance.

Let’s clear things up 👇

Myth: “Getting consent is always required to use personal data”

✅ Fact: Consent is only one lawful basis for processing personal data.

Organisations can lawfully use personal data without consent where another valid basis applies such as fulfilling a contract, meeting a legal obligation, or carrying out a legitimate interest as long as the processing is fair, lawful, and transparent.

Myth: “Data protection law stops organisations from sharing personal data”

✅ Fact: Data protection law does not prevent data sharing.

Instead, it provides a framework to share personal data safely, lawfully, and responsibly, ensuring people’s rights are respected while allowing organisations to operate effectively.

Myth: “Paper records are safer than digital ones”

✅ Fact: Paper records can be just as risky.

Paper files can be lost, left in vehicles, viewed by unauthorised people, or disposed of incorrectly. Security is about how data is handled not just the format it’s stored in.

Myth: “It’s not a breach if no harm was done”

✅ Fact: Even small incidents or near‑misses matter.

Minor errors and near‑misses may still need to be recorded or reported so risks can be identified, lessons learned, and future harm prevented.

Myth: “Data protection is IT’s responsibility”

✅ Fact: Everyone has a role to play.

IT teams support secure systems, but every individual who handles personal data is responsible for keeping it accurate, secure, and confidential.

Myth: “Only names and email addresses count as personal data”

✅ Fact: Personal data is much broader.

It includes photos, phone numbers, vehicle registration numbers, ID badges, location data, online identifiers, and even handwritten notes if a person can be identified, it counts.

Myth: “Data protection means we can’t share any information”

✅ Fact: Data can be shared.

As long as there is a lawful reason, the right people receive it, and only the minimum necessary information is shared, data protection law supports appropriate information sharing.

Myth: “If it’s how we’ve always done it, it must be compliant”

✅ Fact: Common practice doesn’t always mean lawful practice.

What matters is whether processing meets legal requirements and people’s reasonable expectations especially as technology, risks, and standards evolve.

Myth: “AI will take jobs from humans and replace decision-making entirely”

✅ Fact: AI is a tool, not a replacement for human responsibility.

While AI can automate tasks and support decision-making, humans remain responsible for how AI is used, particularly where personal data is involved. Data protection law requires human oversight, accountability, and safeguards especially for decisions that significantly impact individuals.

Myth: “Using AI means data protection law no longer applies”

✅ Fact: AI must still comply with data protection law.

Personal data used to train, test, or operate AI systems must be processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. Organisations must consider data minimisation, accuracy, security, and people’s rights. AI does not remove these obligations.

📌 Final Thought for Data Protection Day

Good data protection isn’t about saying no it’s about doing the right thing with personal data.

Use this Data Protection Day to challenge assumptions, refresh understanding, and make data protection part of everyday good practice.

Turn good data protection into everyday practice. Contact Sarsearon Consulting at info@sarsearonconsulting.com to discuss reviews, advice, or provide tailored training for your organisation.