The Press Complaints Commission has published a new guidance note concerning the Data Protection Act and its impact on journalists.

The Commission worked with the Information Commissioner to produce the document, which should be read in conjunction with the Editors' Code of Practice.

It includes details of the journalistic exemptions and the public interest defence, but makes clear that there is a specific criminal offence of unlawfully obtaining, and selling, personal data.

The guidance consists of some of the most frequently asked questions about the act, which affects many of the organisations journalists work with.

The full guidance note can be read here.

A copy of the Act can be found at
www.hmso.gov.uk.

For more information about how the Act has been implemented, you can visit the website of the Information Commissioner at
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.