What should a personal information controller do when there is a breach of sensitive personal information?

When a personal information controller experiences a breach of sensitive personal information, the appropriate course of action is to inform the Commission of the breach. This is crucial because regulatory bodies are responsible for overseeing compliance with data protection laws, which include the management of breaches involving personal information. Reporting the incident allows the Commission to assess the situation and potentially provide guidance on how to mitigate the impact of the breach, protect affected individuals, and prevent future incidents.

Failure to report a breach not only goes against data protection regulations but may also lead to penalties or sanctions for the personal information controller. Additionally, informing the Commission can help in establishing a transparent process, aiding in the trust-building between the entity holding the data and the individuals whose information has been compromised.

In contrast, delaying notifications or concealing a breach can exacerbate the situation and put more individuals at risk. Limiting notifications to only local authorities is also insufficient, as the scope of data management and protection responsibilities extends beyond local agencies to regulatory bodies that operate at broader levels. Accurate and timely reporting ensures that both the regulatory body and the affected parties can take necessary actions in response to the breach.