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Data Protection and the Digital Economy Act

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Teacher’s notes included in the Notes Page

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The guiding principles of the Data Protection Act.

The Digital Economy Act.

The impact of these acts on individuals.

This lesson will cover:

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What is the Data Protection Act?

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1. Processed fairly and lawfully

2. Processed for a specific purpose

3. Adequate, relevant and not excessive

4. Accurate

5. Kept for no longer than is necessary

6. Processed in line with the rights of individuals

7. Kept secure

8. Not transferred to countries outside the European Economic Area unless there is adequate protection.

There are eight data protection principles. According to the act, data must be:

The eight guiding principles

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Who keeps and provides data?

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what data they want to store

what they want to use it for

how long they will keep it

who they might pass it on to.

Data users must register with the Data Protection Commission. The Information Commissioner’s Office is responsible for regulating the Data Protection Act.

They must also agree to follow the eight data protection principles.

Responsibilities of data users

Data users must specify:

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Rights of data subjects

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Being a data subject

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The Digital Economy Act

The Digital Economy Act came into effect on the 12th April 2010. It aimed to prepare the UK to deal with a growing digital economy but has attracted controversy in some key areas:

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must keep track of users who break copyright (e.g. by illegal file sharing) and the details can be passed onto copyright holders.People who illegally download could have their broadband speed slowed or their Internet connection cut off. ISPs will be fined (up to £250,000) if they don’t act against persistent offenders.

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