Kay Easton wrote in news:gN3pT0EGZg6$Ewx2
@scarboro.demon.co.uk:

In article , Bob Hobden
writes

I thought it was only relevant to businesses like David's not to private
individuals or we would all be in trouble with our Christmas Cards lists
etc. which cannot be the idea of the act.

DPA is applicable to everyone, but you don't need to register simple
address lists. If you keep additional information, you should register,
so in theory you're all right if you just keep names and addresses, but
as soon as you start marking who sent you a Christmas card this year you
have to register ;-)

According to the guide at http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/, you
don't need to register if your data is for 'domestic or recreational'
purposes. Christmas card lists are explicitly mentioned.

And the list of exemptions says that you also don't need to register if you
are a small company that uses the data only for its own PR, advertising,
accounts and payroll.

I have heard that the actual legal drafting of the two acts involved leaves
something to be desired, but the website presumably at least indicates who
is likely to get taken to court ;-).

Victoria