Biggies for me and those who work nearby:

Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998

Applies across the EU, 8 Principles:

1. Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully.
2. Personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purposes, and shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those purposes.
3. Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are processed.
4. Personal data shall be accurate and where necessary, kept up to date.
5. Personal data processed for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purposes.
6. Personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under this Act.
7. Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing or personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to personal data.
8. Personal data shall not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relations to the processing of personal data.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) /Freedom of Information Act Scotland (FOISA)
Similar to each other but not the same.

Freedom of Information creates a statutory right of access to information held by public bodies, while protecting information that should remain confidential. Subject to certain conditions and exemptions, any person who makes a request to a public authority for information will be entitled to receive it. Any organisation working for a public body is also subject to FOIA/FOISA for that work.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act /Scotland (RIPA/RIPSA) 2000
Again same but different.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) provides for, and regulates the use of, a range of investigative powers, by a variety of public authorities. It updates the law on the interception of communications to take account of technological change such as the growth of the Internet. It also puts other intrusive investigative techniques on a statutory footing for the very first time; provides new powers to help combat the threat posed by rising criminal use of strong encryption; and ensures that there is independent judicial oversight of the powers in the Act.

RIPA is consistent with the Human Rights Act 1998 and creates a system of safeguards, reflecting the requirements of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It contains 5 parts providing for powers in relation to specific investigative techniques or establishing systems of scrutiny, oversight and redress.

Part I relates to the interception of communications and the acquisition and disclosure of communications data.
Part II relates to the use of covert surveillance, agents, informants and undercover officers.
Part III covers the investigation of electronic data protected by encryption.
Part IV provides for independent judicial oversight of the powers in the Act.
Part V covers miscellaneous and supplemental matters such as consequential amendments, repeals and interpretation

[edited]For terrible typing[/edited]