The long-awaited implementation of the 1998 Data Protection Act took place on 1 March 2000.The new Act works in two ways, giving individuals rights about the way their information is used and ensuring those who use it have corresponding obligations. It also gives the Commissioner -who is in fact the former Data Protection Registrar Elizabeth France -a key role in promoting good practice.The 1998 Act replaces the 1984 Data Protection Act. Its scope is much broader than that of the earlier Act.The definition of processing shows this clearly.Almost any activity involving personal data is covered by its provisions. It also extends to some paper records requirements that previously applied only to information held on computer. Commenting, Elizabeth France, the Data Protection Commissioner, said: "I am pleased to welcome the implementation of the 1998 Data Protection Act. Some of the statutory instruments necessary to make it work are complex, and the Home Office was right to allow time for detailed discussion of their proposals. We look forward now to promoting widespread understanding of the provisions.Although the Act has been brought into effect 18 months later than expected, data controllers must understand that there will be no corresponding slippage in the date when transitional relief will cease.They will still have to comply fully with the 1998 Act from October 2001 for most of their processing.They should use this time to review the way they handle personal data so that they are ready to meet their new obligations." F Fu ur rt th he er r i in nf fo or rm ma at ti io on n f fr ro om m t th he e O Of ff fi ic ce e o of f t th he e D Da at ta a P Pr ro ot te ec ct ti io on n C Co om mm mi is ss si io on ne er r, , W Wy yc cl li if ff fe e H Ho ou us se e, , W Wa at te er r L La an ne e, , W Wi il lm ms sl lo ow w, , C Ch he es sh hi ir re e, , S SK K9 9 5 5A AF F; ; T Te el l: : + +4 44 4 ( (0 0) ) 1 16 62 25 5 5 54 45 5 7 70 00 0, , F Fa ax x: : + +4 44 4 ( (0 0) ) 1 16 62 25 5 5 52 24 4 5 51 10 0, , E E-m ma ai il l: : m ma ai il l@ @d da at ta ap pr ro ot te ec ct ti io on n. . g go ov v. .u uk k, , W We eb b s si it te e: : < >. .