THE RIPPLE EFFECT
SHARING INFORMATION: THE RIPPLE EFFECT - KEEPING INFORMATION SECURE
Article by Dave Lawrie Director NPHTA
info@nphta.co.uk
At NPHTA, we are always considering ways in which our industry and members may benefit from a little insight into things that may otherwise not even register as being an issue.
We understand and appreciate that we all sit courses in safeguarding and various other aspects including disability awareness, and there is always a gasp of apprehension when suggesting even more, and the natural feeling of “we are not social workers or police” and that is quite right. But actually, since for many, including the elderly and infirm, we may often be their only point of contact, or indeed their “safe place”, and let’s be honest, in most cases, as drivers we hear the life stories of most of our customers anyway, the message here is be careful what you do with that information.
The ripple effect, how innocent discussion can be dangerous
With that in mind, we are delighted to bring you this message from the ICO themselves, since not all data breaches are obvious, or the risks and dangers seen.
Many of us have special education needs children as passengers, not all of those have physical disabilities, many have issues at home, or may be from broken and abusive backgrounds.
We are often asked to verify a trip, where from, where to, and many of those enquiries may seem genuine, from police, or even form your licensing authority. But remember, some of them are phone calls which are often difficult to verify, and quite often, the enquiry seems to minor, but the impact of providing that information can have devastating impacts on your passengers.
The term for this is “the ripple effect” which is a campaign launched by the ICO, as described below.
40 What do you hear when you’re driving?
Cat Evans O’Brien, Head of Communities, Information Commissioner’s Office:
Every week, dozens of people will use your taxi or private hire vehicle. Many of them might talk to you, or talk to someone on their phone whilst in your car.
During those little conversations you may hear personal details about them, such as who they are meeting and what is going on in their lives. Even if they do not chat, you could learn things about them such as where they are going and whether it is a regular trip.
But have you ever thought about whether you should share what you have heard? Whether it is with other customers, your family and friends, or someone who phones your office phishing for information, there could be serious implications.
Consider these two examples:
l Your Passenger is a survivor who has recently escaped an abusive relationship, and you inadvertently share their location in one of these passing conversations to your next customer – who is actually the perpetrator. This could have consequences you never intended, such as a threat to safety, an emergency relocation or having to change their child’s school.
l A customer talks to you about something that happened to their personal information at work, or where they receive healthcare and support, and they do not know what to do or where to get help and advice.
The first situation will feel wrong – but did you know there are laws in place that control when personal information can be shared and when inappropriate sharing could be considered a data breach? In the second situation, you might want to help but do not know where to signpost someone.
JUNE 2025 PHTM
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