Personal information is something very personal to you. It could be your name, your address, your phone number, your email address, your bank details, or even your medical records. Understandably, you may worry about how this information is being used and whether organisations can share it without asking you first.
The short answer is yes, in certain situations, your personal information can be shared without your consent in the UK. But this does not mean that companies and organisations have free rein. Data protection laws exist to ensure your privacy is respected, and there are strict rules that determine when and how your information can be shared.
This article explains those rules in plain language. You will learn:
- What counts as personal information.
- The laws that control how your information is shared.
- The six lawful bases for sharing personal data without consent.
- What types of information are most sensitive.
- The impact on you if your information is wrongly shared.
- How you can claim compensation if a breach causes you harm.
By the end, you will clearly understand when consent is not required, what protections you still have, and what to do if your rights are violated.
What Is Personal Information?
Personal information (also called personal data) is any detail that can identify you directly or indirectly. Some simple examples include:
- Your full name
- Your postal address
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your bank account details
Even if one piece of information on its own does not identify you, when combined with other details, it may reveal your identity. For instance, your first name and your workplace may be enough to point to you.
There is also a category called special category data, which is more sensitive and requires extra protection. This includes:
- Health and medical records
- Racial or ethnic background
- Political views
- Religious or philosophical beliefs
- Sexual orientation
- Biometric or genetic data
Because of how sensitive this information is, organisations must be even more careful when sharing it.
The Laws That Protect Your Personal Information
In the UK, two main laws protect your personal data:
- UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – This sets out the rules for how organisations must collect, use, and share your personal data.
- Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) – This works alongside UK GDPR and explains how data protection works in practice within the UK.
These laws apply to any organisation that handles the personal data of UK residents. This includes businesses, employers, healthcare providers, schools, local councils, and even charities.
If these organisations break the rules, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can investigate. The ICO is an independent regulator that can fine organisations for not following data protection law.
Do Organisations Always Need Your Consent?
It is a common belief that your consent is always required before your data can be shared. But in reality, consent is just one of the legal grounds under UK GDPR.
Organisations do not always need your consent if they have another lawful reason to share your information. There are six lawful bases in total. Let’s look at them one by one.
6 Lawful Bases for Sharing Personal Information Without Consent
Consent
Yes, sometimes organisations do ask for your permission before sharing your data. For example, when you sign up for marketing emails, you are giving consent. But consent is only one option.
Contract
If you have a contract with an organisation, they may need to process your data to meet their obligations. For example, your bank processes your account details to provide you with services.
Legal Obligation
Sometimes the law requires organisations to share your personal information, even without your permission. For example, employers must share certain information with HMRC for tax purposes.
Vital Interests
If your life is at risk, your data may be shared without consent. For example, doctors may share medical information in an emergency to save your life.
Public Task
Some organisations carry out tasks in the public interest, such as local councils or government bodies. They can share your information if it is necessary for their official duties.
Legitimate Interests
This is when the organisation (or a third party) has a valid reason to use your data, as long as it does not override your rights. For example, a company using CCTV to prevent crime may process images of people without their consent.
Examples of When Your Data Could Be Shared Without Consent
To make things clearer, here are some everyday examples:
- A hospital shares your medical details with another doctor during an emergency.
- Your employer provides your salary details to HMRC for tax purposes.
- A bank reports suspicious transactions to authorities to prevent fraud.
- The police request your personal details during a criminal investigation.
- A company uses CCTV footage to investigate theft.
In all these situations, consent is not required because another lawful basis applies.
What Happens If Your Data Is Wrongly Shared?
Even though organisations can sometimes share your data without asking, they must still follow strict rules. If your information is shared due to their mistake, negligence, or wrongful conduct, this can count as a personal data breach.
A data breach can affect you in many ways:
- Emotional harm: Anxiety, stress, depression, or loss of sleep due to privacy invasion.
- Financial harm: Fraud, stolen money, or loans taken out in your name.
- Safety concerns: If your address is leaked, you may feel unsafe at home.
These consequences are not minor. A data breach can seriously affect your daily life.
Can You Claim Compensation?
Yes. If your personal information is wrongly shared and it causes you harm, you may be able to claim compensation.
To have a valid claim, you usually need to show:
- The breach happened because of the organisation’s failings.
- You suffered harm as a result (financial, emotional, or both).
Types of Compensation
There are two main types of compensation you can receive in the UK:
1. Material Damage
This covers direct financial losses, such as:
- Money stolen from your bank account.
- Fraudulent purchases made in your name.
- Relocation costs if your address was leaked and you no longer feel safe.
- Loss of earnings if you had to take time off work.
2. Non-Material Damage
This covers the psychological impact of a breach, including:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Courts and solicitors use the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to calculate how much compensation should be awarded.
For example:
- Severe psychological harm: £66,000 – £140,000+
- Moderate psychological harm: £7,000 – £23,000
- Less severe cases: £1,800 – £7,000
These are guideline figures, and your actual award will depend on your case.
How To Strengthen Your Claim
If you believe your personal information has been wrongly shared, here are steps you can take:
- Gather Evidence
- Letters or emails from the organisation about the breach.
- Bank statements showing financial loss.
- Medical records or reports showing psychological harm.
- Complain to the Organisation
- Contact them directly and ask for an explanation.
- Report to the ICO
- If the organisation does not respond or you are unhappy with their reply, you can complain to the ICO within three months.
- Seek Legal Advice
- A solicitor specialising in data breaches can tell you whether you have a strong claim. Many offer No Win No Fee agreements, meaning you only pay if your case succeeds.
Why Understanding This Matters
In today’s digital world, your personal information is constantly being collected and processed—by employers, schools, banks, doctors, retailers, and even social media platforms. Knowing when your data can be shared without consent gives you peace of mind and helps you spot when something has gone wrong.
Remember:
- Your consent is not always required, but the law still protects you.
- Organisations must have a lawful basis to share your data.
- If they fail to protect your data and you suffer harm, you can claim compensation.
Final Thoughts
It is natural to feel concerned when you hear that your personal information might be shared without your consent. But the good news is that UK data protection law strikes a balance between allowing organisations to function and protecting your rights.
There are times when your data can and must be shared—for example, for legal reasons, public interest, or emergencies. However, this does not give organisations the freedom to act carelessly. If they misuse your data or share it wrongly, you have the right to hold them accountable and claim compensation.
Being aware of your rights gives you the power to act. If you ever find yourself in a situation where your information has been wrongly shared, do not stay silent—seek advice, gather evidence, and protect your privacy.