The Data Protection The Data Protection ActAct

The Data Protection The Data Protection ActAct

Personal Information on Computer!

• Computers are used to keep personal data about people:

• names • addresses • financial information • medical records • criminal records • employment history

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.

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?

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

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

Tasks1. Read the DPA – Fact sheet and answer

questions2. 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

3. Each group will present their part of the act to the rest of the group