Information in the Public Domain

This category incorporates any information, which is publicly available, whether it relates to a living individual or not. There is a wide and increasing range of information, which is publicly available. This can include information found on the:

• internet
• newspapers and magazines
• television
• on-line information systems
• teletext, ceefax or oracle
• Government guidance, statistics, reports, white papers etc.
• press releases
• electoral roll information
• local authority records
• companies house information
• public records information
• information read out or provided as evidence in open court

Information obtained in the public domain may still be subject to legal restrictions and it should always be considered whether there are any copyright, contractual or other legal provisions restricting its use or disclosure to other parties.

It is essential to check that the data is up to date and accurate.  The processing of personal data, which was in the public domain some time ago, may not always be in compliance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.

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