The answer to this question is not a straightforward one as there are several layers to the answer that require thought and discussion.
The first point to note is that even before data has been entered into a database, there is the question of its integrity. If a market research company has been employed to provide data for a client, and fails to provide accurate and representative data from their sample, then the responsibility to ensure this data is accurate in the first place lies with the market research company. Indeed, should any company feel that the data they have received is not credible, they should take steps to address and rectify the issue with the market research company before publishing or storing the data in any form.
The next issue concerns the actual input of the data into a database. Initially, the responsibility for this falls to the data handler who is inputting the data on their computer. That said, this person may well have a line manager who's task is to check data input is accurate and he may well have a person above him who is to ensure that this process is completed accurately.
If mistakes have been made in the initial input of data, then usually the data handler who made the error will be responsible and should change it. If errors have not been noted by the line manager or a manager above them, then it can be argued that it is their fault that the data is not accurate also.
Lastly, it is also good practice if an individual has noticed that a company has them on database and has erroneous information about them, that they let the company know so that this can be rectified. In almost all cases, companies will be happy to make the changes to ensure their records are accurate and up to date.
The legal parameters of inaccurate databases are still not yet well defined. If any individual feels that they need legal advice about any information held about them on a database, they should seek help from a professional as there is no simple answer to this aspect of the question.
The first point to note is that even before data has been entered into a database, there is the question of its integrity. If a market research company has been employed to provide data for a client, and fails to provide accurate and representative data from their sample, then the responsibility to ensure this data is accurate in the first place lies with the market research company. Indeed, should any company feel that the data they have received is not credible, they should take steps to address and rectify the issue with the market research company before publishing or storing the data in any form.
The next issue concerns the actual input of the data into a database. Initially, the responsibility for this falls to the data handler who is inputting the data on their computer. That said, this person may well have a line manager who's task is to check data input is accurate and he may well have a person above him who is to ensure that this process is completed accurately.
If mistakes have been made in the initial input of data, then usually the data handler who made the error will be responsible and should change it. If errors have not been noted by the line manager or a manager above them, then it can be argued that it is their fault that the data is not accurate also.
Lastly, it is also good practice if an individual has noticed that a company has them on database and has erroneous information about them, that they let the company know so that this can be rectified. In almost all cases, companies will be happy to make the changes to ensure their records are accurate and up to date.
The legal parameters of inaccurate databases are still not yet well defined. If any individual feels that they need legal advice about any information held about them on a database, they should seek help from a professional as there is no simple answer to this aspect of the question.
