Data is at the heart of our business

We’re entrusted with data on 1.5 billion people and 201 million businesses worldwide. We’ve developed our Global Data Principles and continue to embed this framework to guide how we manage and use data, build products and conduct our business around the world.

Our principles

We’re deeply aware of our responsibility to treat data — and those it belongs to — with care and respect. Living up to this responsibility is fundamental to securing the trust Experian depends on to exist, grow and create a better tomorrow. To do this, we protect the data we hold, use it fairly and make sure it’s as accurate as possible. We’re 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 lives. Our five Global Data Principles embody these key values (see below) and apply in all territories in which we operate. They guide how we manage and use data, build products and conduct all aspects of our business. We’re embedding the principles into relevant processes throughout the business and will continue to apply them to new product ideas through our global innovation framework and as our business evolves through transformations (including the ongoing move to cloud computing) and acquisitions.

Protecting our perimeter.   We have a defence-in-depth approach to protecting our critical data assets, which provides multiple layers of control and protection.   Perimeter scanning: Scanning the perimeter for open access and scanning applications for regulatory compliance.   Firewall: Blocks unauthorised access while permitting outward communication.  Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): Examines network traffic flows to detect and prevent vulnerability exploitation.   Web Application Firewall (WAF): Filters, monitors and blocks HTTP traffic to and from web applications.   Server protection: Antivirus, host security, continuous reporting.

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.

Security comes first at Experian. We continually enhance and invest in our security infrastructure, practices and culture across the business. We have specialist teams, state-of-the-art technology and rigorous due-diligence procedures to deal with potential cyber security threats.

Our security approach has three tiers: applying tools and processes to prevent threats from entering our environment, detecting if a threat enters our environment, and 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.

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Accuracy

Accurate credit reports enable lenders to give people fairer access to credit and essential services to improve their lives. Any inaccuracies in credit reports — and the data they’re built on — can cause problems for consumers and potentially deny them fair access to credit and services. 
 
We understand how important this issue is for consumers, and accuracy is one of our Global Data Principles that guide our approach wherever we operate. Data accuracy principles are also being written into data protection regulations in many countries. 
 
We’re committed to making data as accurate, complete and relevant as possible for the way it’s used, always in compliance with legal requirements. We constantly strive to improve the accuracy of our data in a competitive market to ensure our clients can always rely on it to 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.

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Fairness

We’re 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 vary in each country or region to comply with local regulatory requirements. Underlying these policies is 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. 
 
Lenders need access to accurate information about people’s financial profiles from Experian or other credit bureaux. Such information is integral to an efficient and competitive credit ecosystem that provides innovative products which enable consumers to get the most out of their data, contributes to economic growth and supports a stable consumer banking system.

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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’s used and where it’s 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.

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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. 
 
Read our 2023 Improving Financial Health Report for more on our use of data to improve financial inclusion and financial health.

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