Data Protection Act 1998

Details

Document originally published by Parliament of the United Kingdom

Original Publication: July 1998

Full text at legislation.gov.uk

An Act to make new provision for the regulation of the processing of information relating to individuals, including the obtaining, holding, use or disclosure of such information. Information regarding gender history is covered by the Data Protection Act and is considered sensitive information so has stronger protection.

Summary from gov.uk

The Data Protection Act controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government.

Everyone who is responsible for using data has to follow strict rules called ‘data protection principles’. They must make sure the information is –

• used fairly and lawfully,
• used for limited, specifically stated purposes,
• used in a way that is adequate, relevant and not excessive,
• accurate,
• kept for no longer than is absolutely necessary,
• handled according to people’s data protection rights,
• kept safe and secure,
• not transferred outside the UK without adequate protection.

There is stronger legal protection for more sensitive information, such as –

• ethnic background,
• political opinions,
• religious beliefs,
• health,
• sexual health,
• criminal records.

Source – http://uktrans.info/legislation/42-legislation/30-data-protection-act-1998