London, July 8: British Airways head IAG on Monday said the United Kingdom (UK) Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is expected to impose a penalty worth $229.8 million (183.4 million pounds) charged for the theft of customers’ data from the website of the airline last year.
According to Reuters news reports, the airline last September revealed the credit card details of millions of people of the firm’s customers have been stolen during an attack on its app and website.
The ICO had already indicated its intentions to imposing the penalty of $229.8 million, which when calculated, equated to around 1.5 percent of its worldwide turnover of 2017.
Alex Cruz, chief executive and BA’s chairman, said, “We are surprised and disappointed in this initial finding from the ICO.”
While apologizing to customers for the inconvenience caused, he added, “British Airways responded quickly to a criminal act to steal customers’ data. We have found no evidence of fraud/fraudulent activity on accounts linked to the theft.”
Willie Walsh, the chief executive of International Airlines Group, said the British Airlines would be presenting representations to the ICO regarding the proposed penalty over it.
“We intend to take all appropriate steps to defend the airline’s position vigorously, including making any necessary appeals,” he said.