I don't know of any instance when someone has threatened to close the company, in the UK (but then again, these notices aren't public knowledge, so just because

I don't know of any instance when someone has threatened to close the company, in the UK (but then again, these notices aren't public knowledge, so just because you don't hear something doesn't mean it doesn't happen). Noncompliance with a data retention notice lands you in court, but it's a civil matter, not criminal - though if you then ignore an order of the court, you could be facing some jail time and/or a fine for contempt of court. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/25/section/95/ https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/25/section/95/ Regarding compliance costs, there's a vague provision in the IPA for contribution to your expenditure: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/25/section/249 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/25/section/249 A little more detail, although not much, can be found in the accompanying Communications Data Code of Practice I am a lawyer, but I am not YOUR lawyer.