DNA & Genealogy Test Data Breach Claims
If your personal data has been exposed in a DNA or genealogy test data breach, we can help you to claim compensation.
DNA tests, whether for medical reasons or other purposes, such as tracing your heritage are increasingly popular and readily available. However, it is important to consider how much sensitive data you are sharing with the organisation carrying out the test and providing related services. If that data becomes exposed – whether due to hacking or simple human error – the consequences for your life and emotional wellbeing can be very serious.
It is not just information about your genes and heritage that may be at risk. Any other data you have shared, including your name, date of birth, address and payment details could all be exposed if a DNA testing or genealogy company experiences a data breach. This could put you at risk from identity theft and other types of fraud, as well as the emotional distress of knowing information about your genetics and/or family heritage is in the wrong hands.
If your genetic data has been put at risk, the good news is, there is something you can do about it. When any organisation collects, processes and/or stores your personal data, they have a legal duty to keep that data safe under the terms of the Data Protection Act 2018 (the UK version of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)). Any breach of that act that puts your data at risk will give you the right to claim compensation.
If your personal data has been exposed due to DNA testing or genealogy company breaching the Data Protection Act, you have a right to claim compensation.
Why work with Hayes Connor? We’re the data breach experts
At Hayes Connor Solicitors, our sole focus is data breaches. Unlike most other firms who may offer to help get you data breach compensation, we have extensive specialist experience in these types of claims, having been one of the first firms in the UK to specialise in data breach claims.
As one of the UK’s largest and most experienced teams of data breach experts, we know what you are going through and how to make things right. We keep the claims process as straightforward and stress-free as we can, while getting you maximum compensation.
All of your questions will be answered quickly and in plain English and you will be kept up to date at all times. You can be confident that your claim is in safe hands, with our data breach experts having an excellent track record of success in securing maximum compensation for our clients – usually without the need for contentious court proceedings.
See what our clients say about working with us
We offer no win, no fee funding for your DNA or genealogy test data breach
We offer no win, no fee funding where appropriate, removing any financial risk from making a claim.
Start a DNA or genealogy test data breach claim today
Think you are entitled to compensation for a genealogy or DNA test data breach? Use our simple and secure online claim form to share the details of your situation and we will get back to you shortly to let you know whether we can help.
To speak to a member of our team now about what to do if your personal details have been exposed in a DNA or genealogy data breach, please call us on 0151 363 5895.
Genealogy and DNA test data breach FAQs
How do I know if I have been the victim of a DNA test or genealogy test data breach?
When any organisation experiences a breach of the Data Protection Act 2018 that puts your data at risk, they are legally required to tell you. However, this doesn’t always happen promptly, if at all, and even where an organisation does contact you, the relevant letter or email can easily be missed.
Unfortunately, we often find that the first time victims of a data breach hear about it when an organisation is fined by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
One option if you are concerned about a data breach is to check with haveibeenpwned.com to see if any email addresses you use have been exposed in a breach and, if so, which organisation is responsible.
Not sure if your personal details have been misused or mishandled? Our data breach experts can find this out for you.
Am I owed compensation for a genealogy or DNA test data breach?
The simple answer is that, if your personal data has been exposed due to a breach of the Data Protection Act 2018, you will be owed compensation. This is true even if you have not suffered any specific harm as a result.
Generally, you will need to wait for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to investigate and decide whether the Data Protection Act has been breached before you can claim.
If you think you might have a claim for DNA testing or genealogy data breach compensation, you can use our simple and secure online claim form to share the details of your situation and we will be happy to advise.
Or, if you want to speak to a member of our team, please get in touch.
How much compensation can you get if a genealogy or DNA test company loses your data?
The amount of compensation available will entirely depend on the circumstances. You don’t need to prove any specific harm to claim compensation, but will normally be able to claim substantially more if you can show you have experienced one or both of the following:
Financial losses
For example, if your financial details were fraudulently used to make payments or take out credit in your name.
Distress
For example, where the stress you have experienced due to a data breach has left you with difficulty sleeping, feeling ill, unsettled and/or confused.
What is the time limit for a DNA or genealogy test data breach?
You have 6 years to make a claim as standard, which will be counted from the date when you first found out about the data breach (or could reasonably be expected to have been aware of it). Normally, this will be when the organisation responsible notified you.
If you think you may have a claim, we strongly recommend contacting our team as soon as possible so you do not miss the chance to claim.
How to stay safe following a genealogy or DNA test data breach
Where you are concerned that your personal details have been exposed, the following steps can help to minimise any risk of further harm:
- Contact your bank or credit card company – if you believe your financial details may have been exposed.
- Change your passwords – both on any affected accounts and anywhere else you’ve used the same ones.
- Get up to date cybersecurity software – this can protect you from being targeted by any cybercriminals who get hold of your data.
- Register with the Cifas Protective Registration service – they’ll make sure extra checks are carried out if anyone tries to take out products or services in your name.
- Report the breach to the Information Commissioner’s Office – they can investigate how the breach happened and take action against the organisation responsible.
- Speak to a data breach expert – as well as telling you if you’re entitled to compensation, they can also advise you on having your data removed, so you aren’t at risk from future breaches at the same company.
Find out more about what to do if your data has been stolen in a data breach.
Start your DNA or genealogy test data breach claim today
At Hayes Connor Solicitors, we can help you to claim compensation and steer you through the aftermath of DNA test or genealogy test breach - minimising the impact on you as much as possible.
Simply use the link below to start your claim or you can call us on 0151 363 5895 to discuss your situation.
With strict time limits in place for making an DNA and genealogy test data breach claim, it’s important to act now to make sure you don’t miss out on your right to compensation.