Data protection and personal data

People’s actions leave traces and entries, for instance, when they make purchases, in online trading and when they are on the move. This information can be collected in different registers.

It is important that personal data are properly processed to secure people’s privacy and legal protection. Privacy protection concerns the processing of all personal data, such as the handing over of information. In accordance with the Personal Data Act, the register holder must protect personal data in a way which prevents outsiders from getting hold of it.

Personal data includes all data that can be connected with people and their families. These are name, personal identity number and address. You should not give your personal details to anyone if you are not certain why the data is being collected, what it is being used for, and who is collecting it.

Personal data can be collected with the person’s consent. Data can also be collected without consent if the person has a connection with the holder of the register through club membership, for example. The authorities are allowed to handle personal data required to carry out their statutory duties.

Personal data can only be used for the purpose for which it has been collected. Sensitive information is collected under the special conditions laid down in the Personal Data Act.

The information recorded in personal data registers can be checked. If necessary, people can demand that incorrect information is corrected or ban the use of the information in direct marketing, for instance.