Dictionary of Computers - data protection

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Safeguarding of information about individuals stored in files and on computers, to protect privacy.

The Council of Europe adopted, in 1981, a Data Protection Convention, which led in the UK to the Data Protection Act 1984. This requires computer databases containing personal information to be registered, and users to process only accurate information and to store the information only for a necessary period and for specified purposes. Subject to certain exemptions, individuals have a right of access to their personal data and to have any errors corrected.

The Data Protection Act 1998 replaced the 1984 act, giving effect in UK law to European Commission Directive 95/46/EC. The new act, which came into force on 1 March 2000, extends data protection law beyond electronic records to cover paper-based records too. It brings tighter controls over data security and the use of data, and gives individuals the right to know for what their data is being used and to whom it is being passed. Individuals can also claim compensation for damage caused by a breach of the act.

Yellow and the diamond shape represent Brazil's mineral wealth. The motto Ordem e Progresso means ‘Order and Progress’. Green stands for the vast forests. Effective date: 15 November 1889. >>