A North-East law firm is warning businesses that they could face a Data Protection investigation into their company websites.

The Information Commissioner, an independent supervisory authority, has doubled the size of his workforce to ensure that all businesses comply with the Data Protection Act.

Solicitors Latimer Hinks say that e-privacy has become a top priority for the enlarged department, which will do far more than simply checking websites.

Researchers for the Information Commissioner will also carry out telephone and face-to-face interviews to ensure that companies are not abusing the trust of the employees. Businesses need to gain permission from employees before putting information about them on a company website.

The Data Protection Act gives the employee rights to view any records about them, including e-mails.

Nick Poole, partner at Latimer Hinks, which has an office in Darlington, said: "Companies in the region with websites will be subject to this investigation.

"Legal advice is available for companies to ensure that they are complying with the Data Protection Act. Failure to comply can lead to criminal prosecution and the payment of compensation."