You have no right to get a copy of the file, unless perhaps as part of a legal case that you are involved in with the bank.
Under the DPA, you have a right to a description of what data they hold on you and what the data is used for, but again not a copy of the file.
And the FOI Act applies to certain public bodies, but not private companies like the banks.
Under Section 4 of the Data Protection Acts, you also have a right to get a copy of your personal information. This applies to all types of information -for example, written details about you held electronically or on paper, photographs and CCTV images. You are also entitled to know where the information was obtained, how it has been used and if it has been passed on to anyone else.
And the FOI Act applies to certain public bodies, but not private companies like the banks.
I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but according to the Data Protection Commissioner's website (link in my previous post):
Without being a smartie, but are the main Banks not in the Government / Public ownership now ?? I think you are entitled to the files, but I doubt they will be sent out to you. Banking in this country works on the basis of Chinese Whispers.
Most people are disappointed and surprised at how little data companies, be the banks or not, actually hold on them. Most companies hold the absolute minimum that is needed to operate and that is all.
There are some exceptions ([broken link removed]), but nothing that indicates a person has to be involved in a legal case to gain access to information.
OK, I've been involved in helping clients comply with the DPA and similar legislation in other EU countries for over 20 years.
The first thing to remember is that banks are well ware of the DPA and their files are sanitized accordingly. Remember the DPA is about what data the bank holds on you, so the obvious thing is not to hold the data! There is no obligation on the banks or other businesses for that matter to tell you about every document they ever created and destroyed, just the ones they currently hold. This means that in practice all that remains is your basic details, plus any contracts that were signed and perhaps a selection of significant letters (most of which you will have either sent or received) and that is about it.
Most people are disappointed and surprised at how little data companies, be the banks or not, actually hold on them. Most companies hold the absolute minimum that is needed to operate and that is all.
Respectfully, that's a far cry from saying that the OP has no right to get a copy of the file, as you originally stated. It's a different matter if there's actually nothing IN the file.
Isn't the whole point of data protection legislation to ensure that companies keep only the bare minimum of information on people?
Respectfully, that's a far cry from saying that the OP has no right to get a copy of the file, as you originally stated. It's a different matter if there's actually nothing IN the file.
+1. Plus it doesn't give the Banks the right to lie or to fraudulently act against any borrower to protect their own nest.
Will people ever learn that the Bankers have turned people over to satisfy their own means. They collectively and individually deserve the respect offered to a RAT. Nothing more or nothing less.