Before tackling the digital aspect of data storage it is essential to discuss the basic legal principles outside of digital constraints. The main statute for this is the Data Protection Act (DPA) of 1988. There are essentially 8 basic principles, which stipulate how information described as personal should be managed. This essay will only observe those principles referred to in the question. The first of which is security for which the Act dictates that all personal data …showed first 75 words of 2126 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2126 total…the potential implications. For instance, under the FOIA, there are no legal obligations upon a public body to consult third parties prior to its release of requested information. Furthermore should it decide to do consult a third party, that third party has no means of preventing release of that information, as prescribed by the Act. Ergo, one can only speculate on the potential legal battles that will unfold as trade secrets strive to be protected.