Data Protection
by Olivia
To be forewarned is to be forearmed …….. a new mobile telephone directory service goes live next week on 18 June. The directory (118800.co.uk) claims that it will connect users, for a £1 fee, to any British mobile telephone number. Users will call the service and ask to be connected to a mobile phone number. The service then calls the number and asks for permission to connect the call. The call will not be connected if the end user disagrees and numbers will not be given out. There is an opt out whereby you can inform the directory by text or phone that you do not wish your number to be included. But, you will be charged standard network rate for the pleasure of doing so. One obvious cause for concern is the number of mobiles owned by children. The directory will not include numbers of under 18’s but if parents have given their mobiles to children to use they will have to text/phone from their phone to exclude them. From a Data Protection Act angle, the service must obtain consent from individuals concerned in order to comply. They are therefore asking people to sign up on their website and otherwise, will ask people to opt in or out when someone first tries to get hold of them. A useful tool to keep us all connected or a step too far and infringement of our privacy? Time and personal opinion will tell.
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