A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following is a requirement of the Data Protection Act?

1. Data must be stored indefinitely

2. Data must be accurate and up-to-date

3. Data can be shared without permission

4. Data must be encrypted at all times

The correct answer is: Data must be accurate and up-to-date

The requirement that data must be accurate and up-to-date is crucial to the Data Protection Act, as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining correct information about individuals. This is fundamental to ensuring that individuals' rights are respected and that the data holds relevance and validity for the purposes for which it is used. Inaccurate or outdated data could lead to incorrect decisions or generalizations about individuals, thus undermining the trust and integrity expected in data handling practices. This requirement not only protects individuals from potential harm due to incorrect assumptions based on faulty data but also supports organizations in maintaining their credibility and compliance with privacy laws. Keeping data accurate and up-to-date allows for better decision-making, reduces liability, and ultimately contributes to a more effective use of information in various applications. The other options do not align with the principles of the Data Protection Act, as they contradict the foundational requirements for ethical data handling.