Treating data with respect

Data security is critical.

The loss or inappropriate use of data and systems could result in material loss of business, substantial legal liability, regulatory enforcement actions and significant harm to our reputation.

Securing and protecting data against unauthorised access, use, disclosure and loss are key priorities for us.

We continually enhance and invest in our security infrastructure, practices and culture across the business.

Data powers our products and analytics, and underpins our clients’ credit decisions, strategy enhancements and marketing campaigns.

The integrity of our data is essential to support client and consumer decision-making and fair outcomes.

We have strict data standards to continuously improve the integrity of our data and ensure we meet regulatory requirements in the markets where we operate.

Our focus is on the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of the data we curate.

We are committed to collecting and using data fairly and for legitimate purposes, and to complying with relevant regulations on data lifecycle, retention and privacy in the markets in which we operate.

We embed privacy by design to ensure we use the minimum amount of personal data needed for a specific purpose, and we have strict processes through the data lifecycle to allow appropriate access to data, as well as deletion or correction of data, when requested by individual data subjects.

We carefully balance privacy expectations with the social and economic benefits derived from the responsible use of data for individuals, businesses and clients.

Our policies on data retention and privacy, published on our consumer websites, are underpinned by our commitment to provide consumers with notice, choice and education about the use of personal information.

We strive to be open and transparent about the types of data we collect from consumers and third parties, where we get it, how it is used and where it is shared.

Being transparent about the way we use data not only empowers consumers, it also benefits our business. Educated consumers are better equipped to be effective, successful participants in a world that increasingly relies on the exchange of information to deliver relevant products and services efficiently.

Where appropriate, we provide individuals with access to the data we collect about them and give them the ability to opt out, restrict or delete data, or correct data where it may be inaccurate. For example, in Brazil, we provide consumers with a detailed report of the data we hold, including illustrations showing how it affects their overall financial health. Our Marketing Services Consumer Information Portal in the UK enables individuals to find out what data we hold about them, where it comes from and how it is used, and to easily opt out of targeted marketing if they choose. In the USA, consumers can find out about the credit data we hold about them, and how to dispute it if needed, through a free or paid Experian membership. Our Credit Report Insights explain the factors contributing to their credit status or score. US consumers can also access their credit report for free at www.annualcreditreport.com.

In addition, we work with financial institutions to enhance transparency with consumers. In the UK, for example, an industry-standard Credit Reference Agency Information Notice explains how credit reference agencies use and share personal information. In the USA, adverse action notices inform consumers who are denied credit, employment or insurance on the basis of their credit report of the data used for the decision and their right to review their credit report free of charge.

We enhance financial inclusion by using data to create insights that help lenders offer fairer access to credit to more people.

Our aim is to help more people get better access to credit by sharing relevant data with lending organisations, including adding alternative sources of data, such as positive data about on-time payments of utility bills and subscription services.

Driving financial inclusion is one of the key ways we are working to improve financial health and fulfil our ambition to help people thrive on their financial journey.