The staff of bodies which process data are required to maintain confidentiality. People are legally entitled to find out what data concerning them is held by any body which processes data. They can demand correction of incorrect data and have any that are disputed blocked or any that have been improperly obtained erased.

n a proposal from the Federal Government, the Ger-man Bundestag elects a Federal Commissioner for Data Protection with over half of the statutory number °’ its members. The person elected is then appointed bv the Federal President. The Commissioner’s task is to advise the Federal Government and the Bundestag on points of data protection law pertinent to the legislative procedure, monitor the handling of personal data by federal authorities and make recommendations to these authorities for improving data protection. Any person who feels that his personal data have not been adequately protected by federal authorities may lodge a complaint with the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection. Every two years the Commissioner submits an activity report to the Bundestag.