| answer text |
<p>The Government takes the protection of personal data very seriously and is committed
to making sure that the Information Commissioner has sufficient powers to ensure that
organisations handle personal data appropriately and in accordance with the principles
in the Data Protection Act 1998.</p><p> </p><p>Over the last six months a number of
steps have been taken to strengthen the Information Commissioner’s powers; including:</p><p>·
Extending the Information Commissioner’s powers of compulsory audit to public sector
NHS providers.</p><p>· Commencing section 56 of the Data Protection Act (DPA). This
makes it a criminal offence for a person to require another person to use their subject
access rights in the DPA to obtain and provide certain records as a condition of employment,
or for providing a service, unless the relevant record is required by law or where
it is justified in the public interest.</p><p>· Making it easier for the Information
Commissioner to take action against companies that breach the Privacy and Electronic
Communications Regulations by making nuisance calls.</p>
|
|
