Workbook on Digital Private Papers > Legal Issues

Human Rights, privacy, etc.

Archives relate to Human Rights in two ways. First, they act as primary sources documenting the evolution of Human Rights and the memory of their abuse. Second, they are important in upholding the rights and entitlements of citizens. The misuse of archives could potentially violate Human Rights, including Article 8 - Right to Respect for Private and Family Life.

Most personal archives, digital or otherwise, will contain personal data that is subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 (c29) and may be subject to other privacy legislation too. Depositors or donors may wish to make specific contractual agreements regarding the confidentiality of some, or all, of the material placed in an archive. There is also the privacy of third-parties represented in the archives to consider. Privacy and confidentiality concerns will affect both how digital materials can be managed within the repository and how and when they can be made accessible to researchers.




Disclaimer: the guidance given in the Paradigm workbook is not legal advice. Legal advice from a solicitor with expertise in the appropriate field should be sought before taking action in relation to specific matters.

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