Treating data with respect
We’re committed to protecting the data we hold, using it fairly and making sure it’s as accurate as possible. We are open about the data we collect, how we use it and who we share it with. And we use data to increase financial inclusion and help people improve their financial health.
Data security
Data security is critical. Securing and protecting data against unauthorised access, use, disclosure and loss are key priorities for us.
Accuracy
We will make data as accurate, complete and relevant as possible for the way we use it, always in compliance with legal requirements.
Fairness
We collect and use data fairly and for legitimate purposes, balancing privacy expectations with the social and economic benefits derived.
Transparency
We are open and transparent about the types of data we collect, where we get it, how it is used and where it is shared.
Inclusion
We seek to improve financial health and inclusion for all through the innovative use of relevant data to help individuals improve their financial lives.
Security
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.
Our strong information security culture starts at the top. Senior leaders are highly engaged, and we make clear that everyone at Experian must take personal responsibility for security.
Our security approach has three tiers:
- applying tools and processes to prevent threats from entering our environment
- detecting if a threat enters our environment
- mitigating any threats by minimising the potential for information to be extracted from our environment
Threat-informed defence helps us shape, assess, prioritise and measure the effectiveness of our approach.
Accuracy
Accurate credit reports, built on accurate data, are essential to enable lenders to give people fair access to credit.
We strive to continually improve the accuracy of our data, to ensure we provide clients with information that represents consumers and businesses as accurately and fairly as possible to help them make appropriate lending decisions.
We have strict processes for data accuracy. These include:
- sourcing accurate data in the first place
- monitoring and improving accuracy over time
- resolving reported inaccuracies or informaion queried by consumers
Our focus is on the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of the data we hold and the reports we provide to our clients.
Fairness
We’re committed to collecting and using data fairly and for legitimate purposes, and to complying with regulations on data lifecycle and retention in the markets in which we operate.
We carefully balance privacy expectations with the social and economic benefits derived from the responsible use of data for individuals, businesses and clients.
Our privacy policies are underpinned by our commitment to provide consumers with notice, choice and education about the use of personal information. They vary by country or region in line with regulatory requirements.
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.
Transparency
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.
Where appropriate, we provide individuals with access to the data we collect about them and give them the ability to correct, restrict and delete data.
Data transparency not only empowers consumers, it also benefits our business.
Inclusion
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.