Exemptions to the Data Protection Act
For those who hold personal information about others
There are certain circumstances under the Data Protection Act where you will not face any legal obligations depending on whom the information relates to and how it is held.
To whom the information relates
If the information you hold relates to living individuals who can be identified by the information, then the legal obligations contained within the Act apply to you.
If one item of information can be used to identify the individual concerned in conjunction with another item of information you hold or expect to hold in the future, then the obligations also apply to you.
No obligations under the Act arise where the information relates to businesses; companies or other organisations (unless the information that relates to a business is personal information, for example sole traders).
How the information is held
Only information about individuals which is held on computer or is on paper and sorted by reference to individuals is subject to the Act.
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