Consumers 'unaware' of info rights

Two-thirds said they would not know how to complain

Most people are unaware that they have rights of access to personal information held on them by companies and public-sector organisations, according to a new survey.

We know from earlier NCC research that consumers are uneasy about the amount of personal information that is held on them and how it will be used by business and the government

Deirdre Hutton, NCC chairman

Nearly three in four know that they have some rights over what happens to their personal details.

But almost one-third do not know what those rights are and as many as two thirds would not know what to do if they had a complaint about information held about them.

The poll, by the National Consumer Council (NCC), coincides with new data protection legislation, which comes into effect on 24 October.

From now, consumers can have access to a wide range of personal details held by companies and private institutions.

On record

Your rights

See many records

Have information corrected if wrong

Compensation if damaged by inaccurate information

Right to see data held on computers and some paper records

A description of why information is kept

Details of anyone it may be passed to or seen by

Explanation of the reasoning behind any automated decisions, such as credit scoring

NCC chairman Deirdre Hutton said: "We know from earlier NCC research that consumers are uneasy about the amount of personal information that is held on them and how it will be used by business and the government.

"People are particularly sensitive about being asked for more details than are strictly necessary."

To improve people's awareness of their rights under the Data Protection Act 1 (1998), the NCC is publishing "What's On My Record?", a guide which explains rights and how to exercise them.

It covers general rights over records held by private firms, such as household utility companies, shops and mail order companies, and those held by public sector organisations.

There are separate sections on credit reference records, and on health, education, medical, housing and social work records.

Business help

While the new legislation gives unprecedented access for consumers, the rule changes have been a headache for many businesses, especially those with extensive database systems.

Those businesses that have failed to comply with the new legislation now face fines of £5,000, and can not respond to requests for information.

NCC has also launched another guide - "Protecting Personal Privacy" - to help businesses comply with the new laws.

It explains the law and best practice for businesses and organisations that collect and use people's personal data.

The guide is also available on the NCC's website.