How does Data Protection differ from Freedom of Information?
The Data Protection Act 1998 relates only to personal data, ie data from which living individuals can be identified. The scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is much wider and gives a general right of access to information – other than personal data – held by public authorities. Information about the impact of FoI contact the Agency’s FoI Officer. Information about the Act generally, is on the Information Commissioner’s Office web site. More guidance about the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act will be issued in due course.
