Legal Aspects of Internet Use

Table of Contents

1. Downloading Files
2. Copyright
   1. Copyright and the Internet
   2. Digital Rights Management (DRM)
   3. Disability Discrimination Legislation
   4. Data Protection Act
3. Chat Rooms and Social Networking

Data Protection Act

If you post any personal data about individuals on a web site (or even store it on your computer) you may have to take account of the provisions of the Data Protection Act. This act applies across the UK and gives legal rights to individuals in respect of their personal data held by others. The Act seeks to strike a balance between the rights of individuals and the sometimes competing interests of those with legitimate reasons for using personal information.

Further information on the following topics can be downloaded from the Information Commissioner's website

• The eight principles of good practice
• The six conditions for fair data processing
• Sensitive data
• Rights under the Act
• Criminal offences created by the Act
• Unsolicited electronic communications
• The role of the Information Commissioner's Office

Click the link to see the Data Protection Act

Click this link for the website of the Scottish Information Commissioner

Next: Chat Rooms