Our data breach solicitors have received hundreds of enquiries from people who had their right to data privacy destroyed in the EasyJet data breach. In some cases, victims of this breach believe that they are not entitled to compensation. Usually, because they have read reports like this one in the media.
But, while this reporter states that: “GDPR gives consumers the right to claim compensation for data breaches like this but only if you suffer damage as a result, for example, you lost money”, this is misleading. The theft and/or use of your personal data without your consent can cause distress, embarrassment and violation, and you have a legal right to hold the guilty party to account.
Here’s what you need to know about claiming for emotional distress and breach of privacy caused by the EasyJet data hack.
Claiming for emotional distress following the EasyJet data breach
A personal data breach is theft. And it is understandable that people experience distress at having their personal online data taken. Especially if EasyJet effectively gave the thief the keys.
The effects of distress can be very real. For some people, a data breach can cause problems sleeping, illness, anxiety, and confusion. This can affect their relationships and their job. In the worst cases, this can result in a diagnosable psychological injury.
What’s more, living with the threat of “what if” after a data breach can develop/ exacerbate mental health conditions. Victims of the EasyJet breach all now face living with heightened concern about their personal data being used for online scams, fraud and phishing attempts. And, at a time when the coronavirus pandemic is already having an impact on mental health, this additional worry is proving devastating for some.
While some people might believe that claiming for emotional distress is an over-reaction, this is not true. Thankfully, over the last few years, people are waking up to the reality of mental health and there is a greater awareness about the lasting effects of psychological suffering and anguish.
