The Data Protection Act

By Ian Hughes

• Data should not be kept longer than is necessary for the specified purpose.

• Data processing should meet the legal rights of the data subjects.

• Data holders should protect the data against loss, theft or corruption.

• Data should not be transferred abroad, except to certain other European countries.

• The law entitles data subjects to see the personal data about them that’s held by an organisation.

• The Computer Misuse Act prevents illegal access to files

The Three Offences

• Unauthorised access to computer material (e.g. Hacking). This includes viewing parts of a network you’re not permitted to see, and the illegal copying of programs – software policy.

• Gaining unauthorised access to a computer to carry out serious crimes like fraud and blackmail.

• Unauthorised changing of computer files including planting viruses and deleting files.

Computer Use Can Cause Three Main Problems

• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a general term for aches, pains and muscle or tendon damage resulting from overuse of a keyboard or a mouse. Some people call it Upper Limb Disorder (ULD).

• Spending too long in front of a VDU can cause eye strain and headaches. The glare from the screen and poor-quality images on some old monitors can make it hard for the eyes to focus properly.

• Circulation, fitness and back problems might result from sitting all day in front of a computer rather than walking around. This is more of a long term health problem.

There Are Three Main Solutions Though

• Take regular breaks from computer work. Looking away from the screen, walking around exercising your fingers and hands can also help to reduce the health risks.

• Use the correct equipment• Arrange the equipment properly. Adjust the chair

and VDU to find the most comfortable position to work.

The Copyright Design and Patents Act controls illegal copying

• This Law was introduced in 1989, and makes it illegal to copy a file without permission from the owner or copyright earlier

Three ways the law is often broken

• Using software without the proper licence

• Downloading text or images from the internet and using them without the owners permission

• Copying a computer program from work to your house