Data Protection

[audiopro]

I have been reading up on the Data Protection act as applied to the UK and there is a lot of information to wade through.
Anyone know of a source where the important points, in relation to web site data gathering practices, are written in plain English rather than legaleese?

Keith

http://www.studiosoft.co.uk

 

[ChrisHunt]

Have you tried here:

http://www.ico.gov.uk/eventual.aspx?id=87

-- Chris Hunt
Webmaster & Tragedian
Extra Connections Ltd

 

[audiopro]

Thanks Chris
I had been on that site and while it provides a lot of useful information, I still have some specific issues I need to resolve, maybe some of the members could give me the benefit of their wisdom.

Does our Company need to register our intention to store data?

We have a section within our site which allows member companies to anonymously contact other member companies. Are we allowed to store the contents of these contact forms?
I am thinking in terms of allowing us to investigate instances of abuse which may arise. The information is mostly requests for brochures etc. not anything sensitive.

Keith

http://www.studiosoft.co.uk

 

[ChrisHunt]

I'm not a lawyer, but the DPA protects personal data - data about persons, not companies. So your B2B interchange probably isn't within the scope of the act.

As a rule of thumb, if you have a system which stores people's names and addresses (email or snail mail), you're probably covered by the Act. You need to delve into the legalese to be sure though.

-- Chris Hunt
Webmaster & Tragedian
Extra Connections Ltd

 

[audiopro]

From what I have read it seems that the main point of it is to prevent disclosure of personal details. We are gathering Company contact details and a contact name and nothing else which could be deemed personal.
Thanks for the interest

Keith

http://www.studiosoft.co.uk