The Data protection Act

downquark1 · 13-11-2003, 15:57

Are we allowed to demand our data removed from a company database if we have no affliation with them? I think it would scare those telemarketers if we come out with the line "I hearby request my phone number be removed under section ____ of the data protection act 1998."

Ramrod · 13-11-2003, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by downquark1

Are we allowed to demand our data removed from a company database if we have no affliation with them? I think it would scare those telemarketers if we come out with the line "I hearby request my phone number be removed under section ____ of the data protection act 1998."

Just register your phone number with the Telephone Preference Service
We haven't had a telemarketing call for years (till today!:p -would you believe it!) and he couldn't get off the phone quickly enough once I told him we were registered.....apologising all the way

**Chris** · 13-11-2003, 16:41

you can force them to remove you, but you can't expect the telesales agent to do it. you have to ask in writing

Ramrod · 13-11-2003, 16:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by towny

you can force them to remove you, but you can't expect the telesales agent to do it. you have to ask in writing

But then you would have to do that with each company, whereas the TPS will block them all from phoning you!

philip.j.fry · 13-11-2003, 17:03

Part of the DPA is that data help about a person must be current and relevant, i.e. all the details must be up-to-date and the company cannot hold huge swathes of data about a person if those details are not related to the purpose for which they are being used.

Under this I would guess if you have no affiliation with a company then all data they hold about you is irrelevant so must be removed.

Edit. Don't forget that the TPS also applies to sms messages, I've not recieved any since I register, now if only they would extend it to cover e-mail.