You do not always have to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office before bringing a claim, but it can be helpful in some cases.

The ICO can consider whether an organisation has complied with data protection law and may provide a view on what happened.

However, the ICO cannot award compensation. Compensation may come from an agreed settlement with the organisation or from a court decision.

Havard Law Solicitors can advise whether an ICO complaint is likely to assist your claim.