Legal Issues Revision

Legal Issues Revision

Freedom of Information Act 2000

The Freedom of Information Act makes public sector organisations (such as the NHS, the police and state-run schools) release information they have about the general public. They have an obligation to publish /make available information about their activities. Companies can face a fine if they do not release the information usually within a 30 day period.

Data Protection Act 1998

This act protects peoples personal data (bank account details, religious beliefs, health records, name, address). Companies must keep your personal information safe by encrypting it. They are not allowed to give you information to third parties. If a company shares your personal information they can get fined, sued and/or sent to jail. In regards to pre-production; e-commerce, competitions and surveys all require the consumer to input personal information.

Libel

The act/crime of making a written statement that isn't truthful and is potentially damaging to a person reputation. This is called deformation. This applies to any written text (magazines, newspapers, online content).

Slander

The act/crime of making a spoken statement that isn't truthful and is potentially damaging to a person reputation. This applies to media products such as TV news, chat shows, interviews.


Copyright, design & patents act 1998

Gives copyright to someone who has created something, meaning that no one else can copy it and if people want to use it they have to get your permission (if you own it). This applies to media products such as music, logos/trademarks, books, films. It controls how your product is used by others.

Intellectual Property

Protects your product regardless of whether you created it by yourself or in a group. If you create something as part of a company the organisation owns the intellectual property. This is so that if you leave a company you cannot make a profit off the idea. You could get permission to use a product by: emailing the owner, write them a letter, arranging a meeting, phone call, sometimes social media if it is less formal.