Privacy and Data Protection Legislation

Abstract

Of the many threats posed by a breach of security of a computer based information system, perhaps the most controversial is that concerning the privacy of an individual or a group of individuals. However, this threat can be contained by technical, administrative and legal safeguards. In this chapter privacy concepts are reviewed as a basis for examining data protection legislation. In the developed world there is general recognition of the need for legislation but there is difference of opinion concerning the form that it should take. Clearly any legislation in this field affects systems analysis and design. Events in the United Kingdom during the 1970s are outlined because they enable the current legal position to be evaluated, and from there future legislative developments to be predicted. Although there is emphasis in this chapter upon events in the United Kingdom, the issues have universal relevance.