5.3 Legislation relating to the use of ICT for storage, manipulation and access of information

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Data Protection Act
   1. The eight principles of good practice
   2. The six conditions for fair data processing
   3. Sensitive data
   4. Rights under the Act
   5. Criminal offences created by the Act
   6. Unsolicited electronic communications
   7. The role of the Information Commissioner's Office
   8. Other Useful DPA websites
3. Copyright legislation
4. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Sensitive data

Specific provision is made under the Act for processing sensitive personal information. This includes racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or other beliefs, trade union membership, physical or mental health condition, sex life, criminal proceedings or convictions.

For personal information to be considered fairly processed, at least one of several extra conditions must be met. These include:

• Having the explicit consent of the individual
• Being required by law to process the information for employment purposes
• Needing to process the information in order to protect the vital interests of the individual or another person
• Dealing with the administration of justice or legal proceedings

Let's have a look at Rights under the Act ...