Failing to have a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) in place can expose organisations to several significant risks under UK law. Without a DSA, there is a heightened risk of non-compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR, which can lead to substantial fines and legal penalties.
Moreover, the absence of a formal agreement can result in misunderstandings between parties regarding the purpose of data sharing and the types of data being exchanged. This lack of clarity can increase the likelihood of data breaches, as there may be inadequate security measures and protocols in place to protect sensitive information.
Additionally, without a DSA, organisations may struggle to demonstrate compliance during audits or legal disputes, potentially damaging their reputation and eroding trust with clients and partners.
In essence, not having a DSA can leave organisations vulnerable to legal, financial, and reputational risks, making it crucial to establish a clear and comprehensive agreement when sharing data.