The Data Protection Act 1998 gives people the right to access information held about them by certain organisations. The act governs how such organisations can use the personal information that they hold - including how they acquire, store, share or dispose of it.
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In general, the Data Protection Act applies to all organisations (including individuals who work in a self-employed capacity) who hold or use personal data whether held on computer or in manual records. This covers information about staff, customers, clients and any others who are dealt with in the course of any business or professional activity.
One of the requirements of the DPA is that individuals and organisations that are processing personal data need to "notify" the Information Commissioner that they are doing so and what the purpose of that processing is. There are exceptions to this rule if the personal information is held only for:
The other responsibilities are:
The eight Data Protection Principles require that information is:
Notification costs £35 per annum and is paid to the Information Commissioner. Further information can be found at the Information Commissoner's Office website.
Further documents or information:
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