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

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

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Main GDPR principles​

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The GDPR sets out the key principles that all personal data must be processed in line with.

 

Data must be:

• 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.

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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 you’re concerned about how an organisation is handling your personal data contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for advice or to make a complaint.

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ICO

Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Textphone: 18001 0303 123 1113
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

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Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House  
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

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You can find more contact details on the ICO website.​