Data Protection Act 1998
The Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA 1998) is an act of the United Kingdom (UK). The main intent is to protect individuals against misuse or abuse of information about them.
The text of DPA 1998 contains six major sections called Parts, followed by 16 explanatory notes called Schedules.
The fundamental principles of DPA 1998 specify that personal data must:
- be processed fairly and lawfully.
- be obtained only for lawful purposes and not processed in any manner incompatible with those purposes.
- be adequate, relevant and not excessive.
- be accurate and current.
- not be retained for longer than necessary.
- be processed in accordance with the rights and freedoms of data subjects.
- be protected against unauthorized or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage.
- not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area unless that country or territory protects the rights and freedoms of the data subjects.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is an act of the United Kingdom (UK) Parliament defining the ways in which the public may obtain access to government-held information. The intent is to allow private individuals and corporations reasonable access to information while minimizing the risk of harm to any entity.
The text of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 contains eight major sections called Parts, followed by eight explanatory notes called Schedules. The Schedules explain the Parts in greater detail and elaborate on diverse contingencies and legal interpretations.
Computer Misuse Act 1990
An act to make provision for securing computer material against unauthorised access or modification; and for connected purposes.
So, in 1990, the Computer Misuse Act was passed.
The Computer Misuse Act (1990) recognised the following new offences:
- Unauthorised access to computer material
- Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate a crime
- Unauthorised modification of computer material.
- Making, supplying or obtaining anything which can be used in computer misuse offences.
Copyright and Patents Act 1988
An Act to restate the law of copyright, with amendments:
- to make fresh provision as to the rights of performers and others in performances
- to confer a design right in original designs
- to amend the Registered Designs Act 1949
- to make provision with respect to patent agents and trade mark agents
- to confer patents and designs jurisdiction on certain county courts
- to amend the law of patents
- to make provision with respect to devices designed to circumvent copy-protection of works in electronic form
- to make fresh provision penalizing the fraudulent reception of transmissions
- to make the fraudulent application or use of a trade mark an offence
- to make provision for the benefit of the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London
- to enable financial assistance to be given to certain international bodies; and for connected purposes.
References:
WhatIs.com. (2017). What is U.K. Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA 1998)? - Definition from WhatIs.com. [online] Available at: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/UK-Data-Protection-Act-1998-DPA-1998 [Accessed 4 Jul. 2017].
WhatIs.com. (2017). What is Freedom of Information Act 2000? - Definition from WhatIs.com. [online] Available at: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Freedom-of-Information-Act-2000 [Accessed 4 Jul. 2017].
Legislation.gov.uk. (2017). Computer Misuse Act 1990. [online] Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/18/introduction [Accessed 4 Jul. 2017].
Legislation.gov.uk. (2017). Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. [online] Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/introduction [Accessed 4 Jul. 2017].
