Data is at the heart of our business. We are entrusted with data on 1.1 billion people and around 150 million active businesses worldwide.
Data security is critical. Securing and protecting data against unauthorised access, use, disclosure and loss are key priorities for us.
We will make data as accurate, complete and relevant as possible for the way we use it, always in compliance with legal requirements.
We collect and use data fairly and for legitimate purposes derived from the responsible use of data for individuals, businesses, and clients.
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.
We seek to improve financial health and inclusion for all through the innovative use of relevant data to help individuals improve their financial lives.
Treating data – and those it belongs to – with care and respect is fundamental to securing the trust Experian depends on to exist, grow and create a better tomorrow. We are committed to protecting the data we hold, using it fairly and making sure it is 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. Our five Global Data Principles embody these key values and apply everywhere we operate. They guide how we manage and use data, develop products and conduct all aspects of our business. For more information about our data principles see the summaries below, and for additional detail see pages 61-64 of our Annual Report.
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.
Security comes first at Experian. 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.
Accurate credit reports, built on accurate data, are essential to enable lenders to give people fair access to credit. We constantly strive to 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 decisions.
We have strict processes for data accuracy – from sourcing accurate data in the first place to monitoring and improving accuracy over time, and resolving reported inaccuracies or information 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.
We are committed to collecting and using data fairly and for legitimate purposes and 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, which vary by country or region in line with regulatory requirements, are underpinned by our commitment to provide consumers with notice, choice and education about the use of personal information. 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.
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. For example, our marketing services are more effective for our clients when more people understand their ability to set their marketing preferences, as this means fewer people receive unwanted marketing to which they would not be receptive.
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.
Read our Power of YOU 2024 report on how we are championing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for our people, clients and consumers, and communities - and delivering social impact by helping people thrive on their financial journey.
