The Data Protection Act deals with any personal information that is collected or stored on paper and electronically.

Every time you enter any personal information into a website - your e-mail address, postal address, age or phone number - the website is legally obliged to tell you what it is using it for.

The website must also provide you with the option to prevent them passing it on to other parties.

What it means

For example, when subscribing to a newsletter, you often get the option to receive information from other 'partner' organisations for marketing purposes.

If you decline this offer, the website is not allowed to pass on your details under the Data Protection Act. (D.P.A.)

The DPA covers all UK users

It also means that organisations can't use the data you gave them for one purpose for another - so just because you send an e-mail to WebWise doesn't mean we can use that e-mail address for any other purpose except for replying to you.

The government agency responsible for the D.P.A. is run by the Information Commissioner.

The most important aims of the D.P.A. are to ensure that information kept about you is accurate, up-to-date, secure, relevant, and not held on to for too long.

Data Protection Act

Most reputable websites will encrypt any personal information for you when you enter personal details or access the checkout area if you're shopping.

If you're not sure, check if they have any information regarding this in their 'About' or 'FAQ' section.

If a website does collect information it must store it for the minimum time possible.

If it wants to use the data for other purposes - such as marketing - it must gain consent of the individual and inform them exactly how their data will be used.