1. Data Protection Act The Kingsway School

2. What is Covered? The act was made law in 1984 and was updated in 1998. It covers the storage of personal data on computer systems only. The data must be about identifiable, living individuals. It does not relate to data held simply for accounting purposes. Data stored on manual systems is not covered.

3. Data Users and Data Subjects Data Users These are people or companies who hold and process personal data on computer systems. Data users must register with the Data Protection Registrar. Data Subjects This is the individual whose data is held by a company Data subjects have rights under the Data Protection Act

4. Exemptions from the Act The rules of the Data Protection Act do not always apply. These exemptions need to be learnt carefully. Simple data held only for payroll or accounting purposes does not need to be registered. Statistical data which does not identify an individual. If the data subject is in danger e.g. a medical emergency, those working to help the individual such as doctors can have access to relevant information. The act can be bypassed by certain government agencies in matters relating to national security, crime or taxation.

5. The Rules You must learn these! Data must be acquired and processed lawfully ie a company cannot break into your house to get the data. Personal data cannot be passed onto other organisations without your consent. Data must only be used for the stated purpose. Personal data should be accurate and up to date. There should be a way that subjects can be made aware of the data held on them and for them to check its accuracy Suitable security must be provided to protect the data. The data held should be the minimum for the purpose. Data should not be kept for longer than is necessary.

6. A Data Subjects Rights You can ask a company if they hold any data about you. You can ask a company to show you what data they hold on you. The request must be in writing and the company may charge a reasonable sum. You can ask to have data updated if it is out of date.

7. Internet Resource The Data Protection Act is a law designed to protect personal data stored on computer. 1.Why the Data Protection Act was brought inWhy the Data Protection Act was brought in 2.What the Data Protection Act saysWhat the Data Protection Act says 3.Exam TipsExam Tips 4.GlossaryGlossary The Data Protection Act