Data Claims

Has your personal information been exposed, leaked, or shared without your permission? If so, you could be owed compensation.

Join the Claim is not a law firm. We connect individuals with top law firms for consumer claims, and our service is free to use. While we may receive a fee from the law firms we introduce you to, this will not affect your costs or compensation. We are not responsible for the advice or services provided by these firms. Please note that nothing on this website is legal advice, and while we check claim eligibility, we cannot guarantee a law firm will accept a case.

Find Compensation Claims

Register for Updates

Quick & Simple

Get justice

What are data claims?

Data claims are legal actions taken when an organisation exposes, leaks, shares, or misuses personal information. This can happen through a cyberattack, human error, poor security practices, or the unauthorised use of personal data.

Under UK data protection law, organisations must take reasonable steps to keep personal information secure. If they fail to do so, and you suffer financial loss, emotional distress, or a loss of privacy, you may be entitled to compensation.

When companies mishandle your data, the consequences can be serious – from stress and anxiety to ID theft and financial harm. But you don’t have to accept it.

At Join the Claim, if a legal claim is launched by one of our trusted partner law firms, we’ll let you know how to take action and stand up for what’s right. It’s free to check your eligibility and only takes a couple of minutes to get started. So you can make a data claim quickly and easily.

Data claims at a glance

Explore the latest data & privacy claims

Can you claim compensation after a data breach?

You may be able to claim compensation if your personal information was exposed because an organisation failed to protect it properly. This includes both cyberattacks and avoidable mistakes, such as emails being sent to the wrong person or confidential documents being shared incorrectly.

Not every data breach automatically leads to compensation. Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of information exposed, the circumstances of the breach, and the impact it has had on you.

What can you claim for after a data breach?

Many people assume data breach claims are only about financial loss. In reality, UK courts can also recognise the emotional and privacy impact caused when personal information is exposed or misused.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may relate to financial harm, emotional distress, or the loss of control over your personal information.

Emotional distress

Stress, anxiety, embarrassment, or loss of sleep caused by your personal information being exposed without your consent.

Financial loss

Direct financial harm, such as stolen funds or fraudulent purchases, as well as the time and costs involved in resolving the issue.

Loss of privacy

The impact of knowing sensitive personal information has been accessed, shared, leaked, or used without permission.

What information counts as personal data?

Organisations that collect or use personal data must comply with UK data protection law, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Personal data is any information that can identify you directly or indirectly. Some types of personal data are particularly sensitive and may create greater risks if exposed.

Examples can include:

Why health data receives extra legal protection

Some types of personal information are considered especially sensitive because of the impact they could have if they are exposed or misused. Health information is one of the strongest examples.

Under UK data protection law, information about your physical or mental health is classed as special category data. Organisations must meet stricter legal requirements before they can collect, use or share it.

This includes information such as:

If sensitive health information is shared, exposed or used without permission, you may have the right to seek compensation.

One example attracting international attention is the Flo data privacy scandal, which concerns allegations that users’ sensitive health information was shared with third parties without their knowledge or informed consent. 

Different types of data claims

Not all data claims involve the same type of incident. Personal information can be exposed or misused in several different ways.

Data breaches caused by human error

Many breaches happen because of avoidable mistakes rather than hackers. This could include sending confidential emails to the wrong person, attaching the wrong files, or publishing private information accidentally.

Data misuse claims

Organisations must only use personal information in ways people have agreed to or would reasonably expect. If data is shared, sold, or used without proper consent, including for advertising or AI training purposes, this may amount to unlawful data misuse.

Cyberattacks

Cybercriminals often target organisations holding large amounts of personal data. If a company failed to take reasonable security steps before an attack, affected individuals may be able to claim compensation.

Who can be affected by a data breach?

Data breaches can affect anyone. Customers, employees, patients, students, and members of the public have all been impacted by major breaches across the UK.

When personal information falls into the wrong hands, it can create both immediate and long-term risks.

Common consequences include:

  • Identity theft: Criminals can use your stolen details to open accounts or take out loans in your name.
  • Financial fraud: Your payment details can be used to make unauthorised purchases or access your bank account.
  • Phishing attacks: Scammers may use your personal info to send convincing fake emails or texts designed to steal more.
  • Emotional distress: Victims often feel violated, anxious or stressed knowing their private information is exposed.
  • Reputational harm: If work or medical records are leaked, it can affect your personal and professional life.

What should you do after a data breach?

If you believe your personal information has been exposed, there are practical steps you can take to help protect yourself.

This may include changing passwords, monitoring financial accounts, and watching for phishing attempts,

You should also keep any emails or letters notifying you about the breach, as these may be useful if you later decide to pursue a claim. 

What should you do after a data breach?

If you believe your personal information has been exposed, there are practical steps you can take to help protect yourself.

This may include changing passwords, monitoring financial accounts, and watching for phishing attempts,

You should also keep any emails or letters notifying you about the breach, as these may be useful if you later decide to pursue a claim. 

Do I qualify for a data claim?

You might qualify for a data claim if your personal information has been exposed, misused, or accessed without permission, and it caused you harm. This harm doesn’t have to be financial; emotional distress and the risk of harm also count.

Eligibility varies by claim. If we’re working with a partner law firm, our quick online checker will show whether you meet the criteria for that group action. If there isn’t a partner law firm in place yet, you can register your interest — and we’ll keep you updated if a claim goes ahead.

You could potentially qualify if:

How do group data breach claims work?

Some data breaches affect thousands or even millions of people at the same time. In these situations, law firms may investigate group legal action on behalf of everyone affected.

How do group data breach claims work?

Some data breaches affect thousands or even millions of people at the same time. In these situations, law firms may investigate group legal action on behalf of everyone affected.

Join the Claim is not a law firm. We help connect people with regulated UK law firms investigating or running relevant group claims. If a suitable claim becomes available, eligible users may be able to join on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Why claiming matters

A breach of your data isn’t just inconvenient; it can be harmful. That’s why making a data claim matters.

By making a claim, you:

Claiming helps protect not just your future, but everyone else’s too.

Examples of data claims

Data breaches can happen across many industries – from healthcare to housing to high street retailers. If an organisation fails to protect your information and it causes you harm, you could be entitled to compensation. Here are some of the most common types of data claims we see:

Medical data claims

Medical records are some of the most sensitive data we have. When hospitals, GP surgeries, or private clinics mishandle this information, whether by sending it to the wrong person, failing to secure it properly, or exposing it in a cyberattack, the consequences can be serious. You may be entitled to claim for the distress and privacy violation caused.

Technology data claims

Apps and tech platforms often hold large amounts of personal data — from contact details to location tracking and private messages. If this information is exposed through poor security, unauthorised use (including AI training), or data-sharing without consent, you may have grounds for a claim.

Retail data claims

Retailers and loyalty schemes collect your data every time you shop. If this information, such as your email, address, or payment details, is leaked in a breach or cyberattack, or used without consent, you could be eligible for compensation, even if no money was lost.

Employment data claims

Your employer holds sensitive personal data, including financial information, disciplinary records, and health-related documents. If this is shared inappropriately or accessed without your permission, it can cause embarrassment, distress or even damage your career, and may give you a right to claim.

Property data claims

Letting agents, housing associations, and property firms are responsible for storing your data securely. If tenancy agreements, ID documents, or personal records are shared or published without permission, you may be eligible to make a data claim for the harm caused.

Government data claims

Local councils, HMRC, and other government bodies store vast amounts of personal data. Mistakes like posting documents to the wrong address, failing to secure digital systems, or sharing data across departments without permission can result in claims. Especially if they lead to distress or financial harm.

Watch the latest data protection & privacy rights videos

Why use Join the Claim?

Join the Claim makes it simple to take action when your personal data has been mishandled, misused, or stolen.

We work closely with trusted, regulated law firms across the UK to connect you with the right legal help.

From the moment you get in touch, we keep things clear, straightforward and stress-free. With fast eligibility checks, expert support and no legal jargon, we’re here to help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve — quickly and confidently.

Making a data claim: How it works

Answer a few quick questions

Answer a few straightforward questions and you’ll know if you could qualify for a claim. If we don’t yet have a partner firm in place, simply tell us about how the issue affects you.

See who’s handling the claim

Where we work with a partner firm, we’ll show you the regulated UK law firm running the claim, so you can decide whether you’d like to continue. In some cases, claims are handled through an official claim website, and we’ll point in the right direction.

Join the Claim

If you choose to proceed, you’ll complete your registration with the law firm, or through the official claim website. They will then handle the claim and keep you updated along the way. If a claim is still developing, we’ll let you know if any updates become available.

Help and advice for data breach and data misuse victims

If your personal information has been exposed due to a data breach, or has been otherwise misused, being informed can help protect your rights while you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Find a data claim today

It's fast, easy, and you can do it all online.

Join the conversation

@jointheclaim

Check out our TikTok videos, where we break down data breach claims in simple, scroll-stopping clips.

From how to spot if your data’s been leaked to what to do next, our content is packed with useful tips.

Not on TikTok? No problem. You can still keep up with the latest on Instagram, Facebook, X and more.
Wherever you scroll, we’ve got you covered.

Data claim FAQs

A data breach claim is a legal claim made when personal information has been exposed, accessed, shared, or misused without permission. This can happen after a cyberattack, human error, or unlawful use of personal data.

If an organisation failed to protect your information properly, you may be able to claim compensation for financial loss, emotional distress, or loss of privacy.

The law firms we partner with usually operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you only pay if the claim is successful. However, fees may apply if you cancel after the cooling-off period or breach your agreement.

If you win, the firm will either take its fees from your compensation payment or recover them from the defendants.

All terms are clearly explained before joining.

Want the full picture, including what to check before signing?  Read our complete guide to no win, no fee agreements here. 

Yes, potentially. You do not always need to suffer direct financial loss to make a data breach claim.

In some cases, people may be able to claim compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, stress, inconvenience, or the loss of control over their personal information. Whether a claim succeeds depends on the specific circumstances and evidence involved.

You don’t usually need to gather extensive evidence before checking your eligibility. A breach notification, email from the organisation or other information confirming you were affected may help, but the law firm investigating the claim will explain what information is needed.

Data breach claims are subject to legal time limits, although the exact deadline depends on the circumstances of the claim. It’s usually best to seek advice as soon as possible rather than waiting.

The amount of compensation available varies from case to case. It depends on factors such as the type of information exposed, how serious the breach was, and the impact it had on you.

Some claims involve financial losses, while others relate mainly to emotional distress or privacy concerns. Compensation is assessed individually or as part of a wider group claim.

Using Join the Claim is free. While we may take a fee from the law firms we introduce you to, this won’t impact the cost of your claim or any compensation you receive.

No, we’re not a law firm. We help individuals find and join group action claims being run by UK law firms. Think of us as the ultimate matchmaker for justice seekers like you.

Yes. If you have been affected by multiple unrelated breaches or data misuse incidents, you may be able to join more than one claim.

Eligibility depends on the requirements of each individual claim and whether your information was affected in those incidents.

Data breach claims are managed by regulated law firms and legal professionals experienced in group litigation and data protection law.

Join the Claim is not a law firm. We help connect eligible users with partner law firms investigating or running relevant claims.

Compensation may be paid through a settlement agreement or following a successful court decision.

The amount awarded depends on the type of harm suffered, which could include financial loss, emotional distress, or the impact of losing control over sensitive personal information. In group claims, compensation outcomes can also depend on how many people are affected and the overall nature of the case.

GDPR stands for the General Data Protection Regulation. It is a data protection law designed to give people more control over how organisations collect, store, and use personal information.

Following Brexit, the UK retained its own version known as the UK GDPR, alongside the Data Protection Act 2018. Together, these rules place legal obligations on organisations to protect personal data properly.

A group action claim allows people affected by the same issue to take action together. This strength in numbers helps stand up to big organisations. Join the Claim helps connect people with law firms so these actions have real impact.

Latest data breach news

Rated Excellent


on REVIEWS.io

Rated Excellent on REVIEWS.io

Join the claim
Clifford
Very easy to sign up, hope its sorted soon
Susan
Very easy and quick to complete the claim Everything was explained well and fees payable in etc were made very clear
Peter
So easy to sign up for the claim