(in the UK) legislation by which anyone storing personal information relating to an individual on a computer is responsible for the accuracy of that information and may neither use the information nor pass it on to others without the knowledge and consent of that individual. Users of the information are required to be registered. Individuals about whom information is held can require to see a printout of the information relevant to them and demand to have inaccurate or misleading information amended. Specific exceptions include police, state security, and medical research, but not medical information that may affect employment or promotion.
Medical dictionary. 2011.