data

The Act defines "data" in a very broad way. It is not limited to numbers, spreadsheets, or computer code. Instead, "data" means any representation of information, facts, concepts, opinions, or instructions. This wide scope ensures that almost any recorded thought, fact, or directive can fall under the definition.

To count as data under this specific provision, the information must be represented in a manner that makes it suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing. This means the information must be in a format that allows it to be shared, understood, or worked with in some practical way.

Finally, the definition covers information that can be handled either by human beings or by automated means. This means data includes both formats meant for people to read and digital formats designed strictly for computers or machines to process. The focus is on how the information is represented and its suitability for being processed or communicated, regardless of whether a person or a machine is doing the work.

Key points

• Data includes any representation of information, facts, concepts, opinions, or instructions [2(h)].
• The information must be in a form suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing [2(h)].
• Data can be in a format meant to be handled by human beings [2(h)].
• Data also includes formats meant to be handled by automated means [2(h)].

Common misreadings

• A reader might think data only refers to digital information processed by computers, but the definition explicitly includes information suitable for processing by human beings.
• A reader might assume data only means hard facts, but the text clearly states it also includes concepts, opinions, and instructions.