Definitions for "Data Protection Act"
The Act provides protection for individuals in relation to information held about them by third parties, including banks.
This legislation regulates the recording and processing of personal data, on computer or structured manual (paper) files, which identifies, and relates to, individuals. For business purposes, the Act applies to individuals, sole traders, partnerships and sureties.
The DPA gives individuals certain rights regarding information held about them. It places obligations on those who process information (data controllers) while giving rights to those who are the subject of that data (data subjects). Personal information covers both facts and opinions about the individual. The Data Protection Act 1998 seeks to strike a balance between the rights of individuals and the sometimes competing interests of those with legitimate reasons for using personal information.