The Data Protection Act

1. The Data Protection Act

2. Personal Information on Computer! • Computers are used to keep personal data about people: • names • addresses • financial information • medical records • criminal records • employment history

3. Ease of Access • On computer this information is easier for people to access and share • There is a danger that this information could be misused or get into the wrong hands.

4. Concerns • Could it be easily copied? • Could it be changed? • Who can see the information? • How accurate is the information? • Is it be possible to build up detailed files on people without their permission?

5. The Data Protection Act • The 1998 Data Protection Act was passed by Parliament to control the way information is handled. • The act gives legal rights to people who have information stored about them

6. Parts of the Act • The act is large and complex! • It has four areas: • Rules for data controllers (the person or company that collects and keeps data about people) • Rights for data subjects (the people the data is about) • The role of the Information Commissioner (the person who has powers to enforce the Act) • Organisations that are Exempt from the rules

7. Tasks • Read the DPA – Fact sheet and answer questions • Split into four groups – each group must produce a presentation on their chosen part of the data protection act: • Information Commissioner • Rights of data subjects • Rules for data controllers • Exemptions to the rules • Each group will present their part of the act to the rest of the group