Data protection is the safeguarding of the privacy rights of individuals in relation to the processing of their personal data. People supply information about themselves to government bodies, banks, insurance companies, medical professionals and many others in order to avail of services or satisfy obligations. For the purpose of data protection, organisations or individuals who control the contents and use of personal data are known as data controllers (e.g. Westmeath County Council). The Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 confer rights on individuals as well as responsibilities on those persons processing personal data. These rights apply where the information is held: