Computing Services

Aspects of the rights and responsibilities of individuals and of the institution in relation to information

An increasing amount of British and European legislation affects how we may collect and use data. This is designed to protect the rights of the individual and the rights of institutions such as the University of Edinburgh. It therefore gives both institutions and individuals responsibilities to protect the rights of others.

The links on this page point to some of the Government Acts and publications, and other information, which are designed to ensure that both individuals and institutions can go about their legitimate business without infringing the rights of others.

The University has adopted a set of Computing Regulations to protect its investment in Communications and Information Technology, and thereby to provide the best possible working environment for its staff and students.
Similarly, UKERNA has published an Acceptable Use Policy governing the use of the national academic network JANET.
The University has inevitably to monitor its networks and computers to ensure that they are working satisfactorily, and being used correctly, and under Government legislation it must publish notification to its users that it may be doing this from time to time.
The University has an IT Security Policy.
The UK Government's Computer Misuse Act 1990 seeks to curb the antisocial use of computers.
The UK Department of Trade and Industry has published information on lawful business practice.
There is a lot of information on the Web about Human Rights, for example the Human Rights Act, the UK Home Office's Human Rights Unit, and questions and answers on Human Rights.
There is a UK Freedom of Information Bill, and a Scottish Freedom of Information Bill. There is also the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland.
The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) has a Legal Information Service which provides general advice and information (but not specific assistance).
Note that the Data Protection Act 1998 has been modified by a number of clarifying 'Statutory Instruments' since it was enacted. You can get more information from the Information Commissioner, who is responsible for freedom of information as well as for data protection.
Our work is protected, and our use of other people's work is constrained, by the Copyright Act 1988.