[SOLVED] Data Protection Act

alexgeek · Jan 17th, 2008, 18:51

I'd like to know what information I am not allowed to disclose under the data protection act.
This is for consultancy essay I have to write and I need to make sure any data must not be seen by the public is encrypted etc.
Also any other information like and loop holes I would appreciate.
This is for UK Law.

welshstew · Jan 18th, 2008, 09:38

As always wikiepedia give a great outline of the DPA.

Basically, the act is split into two main sections the first deals with how companies hold data and there are 8 principles which companies need to adhere to:

Fairly and lawfully processed
Processed for limited purposes
Adequate, relevant and not excessive
Accurate and up to date
Not kept for longer than is necessary
Processed in line with your rights
Secure
Not transferred to other countries without adequate protection

The second part of the act deals with your rights to access any data that a company holds on you.

In answer to your specific question, you are not allowed to disclose any information about your customer, unless they have specifically given you the right to do so.

This is why you see a lot of sites have opt-out clauses. i.e. your data may be passd on to third parties as part of market reserach, please tick here to opt-out.

Lots of people have become savvy to this know and automatically tick the box at the end of the form. We are now seeing a trend where sites are now asking individuals to opt-in. i.e. we will not pass your data onto third parties unless you specifically give us permission, to grant permission please tick here.

As most people are used to opting out they just tick without reading it, and end up opting in.

Does that help?

Let me know if you need any more.

alexgeek · Jan 18th, 2008, 15:25

I'd like to know where the line is though,
In between their favourite movies to their credit card numbers I assume?

welshstew · Jan 18th, 2008, 17:08

The line is where the data becomes personal, when I can start to identify who you are from it, post code, name, etc.

You're favourite colour, or ice cream flavour, not so much.

alexgeek · Jan 18th, 2008, 18:38

Thanks, that makes sense.
-solved-

welshstew · Jan 21st, 2008, 12:01

Alex, you may find this case interesting for your essay

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7196803.stm

alexgeek · Jan 21st, 2008, 14:46

Thanks stew!