The Data Protection Directive (officially Directive 95/46/EC on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data) is a European Union directive which regulates the processing of personal data within the European Union. It is an important component of EU privacy and human rights law. The directive was implemented in 1995 by the European Commission.

• http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/fsj/privacy/

UK’s Freedom of Information Act

The freedom of information guidance we produce is split into these four categories:

1. Procedural guidance - this deals with the practical aspects of the Freedom of Information Act, such as how to use the Codes of Practice. This section also includes good practice guidance.
2. Topic specific guidance - this guidance is designed to assist authorities in dealing with requests for specific types of information, such as information relating to the deceased.
3. Sector specific guidance - this is guidance aimed at a particular public authority sector
4. Exemptions guidance - this deal with the exemptions under the Act.

Guidance on the model publication scheme can be found in the model publication scheme section of the website. Although some of the guidance on this page also covers Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), specific guidance can be found in the EIR section of the website.

• http://www.ico.gov.uk/what_we_cover/freedom_of_information/guidance.aspx