Data protection legislation controls how your personal information is used by organisations, including businesses and government departments.

In the UK, data protection is governed by the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called data protection principles unless an exemption applies. There is a guide to the data protection exemptions on the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) website.

Anyone responsible for using personal data must make sure the information is:

• used fairly, lawfully and transparently
• used for specified, explicit purposes
• used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary
• accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date
• kept for no longer than is necessary
• handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage

There is stronger legal protection for more sensitive information, such as:

• race
• ethnic background
• political opinions
• religious beliefs
• trade union membership
• genetics
• biometrics (where used for identification)
• health
• sex life or orientation

There are separate safeguards for personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences.

Your rights

Under the legislation, you have rights in relation to your personal data, with some exceptions. These include the right to:

• be informed about how your data is being used
• access personal data
• have incorrect data updated
• have data erased
• stop or restrict the processing of your data
• data portability (allowing you to get and reuse your data for different services)
• object to how your data is processed in certain circumstances

You also have rights when an organisation is using your personal data for:

• automated decision-making processes (without human involvement)
• profiling, for example to predict your behaviour or interests

If youre concerned about how an organisation is handling your personal data

Contact the ICO for advice or to make a complaint.

You can find more contact details on the ICO website.