Commentary on Sections Offences Section 245: Offences
631.This section sets out the circumstances in which the disclosure of information, or the use of information disclosed, constitutes an offence, and also specifies the sanctions that will apply if such an offence is committed.
632.Subsection (1) explains that an offence is committed if specified information is disclosed in circumstances to which none of the relevant exceptions set out in this Part applies and whilst the individual who is the subject of the information is still alive or any undertaking to which the information relates continues to trade.
633.Subsection (2) specifies that an offence is also committed if information is disclosed overseas despite a direction from the Secretary of State that it should not be.
634.Subsection (3) extends the offence to include the use of information for a purpose not permitted under this Part.
635.Subsection (4) specifies the maximum prison terms and fines for an offence under Part 9.