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Phonebook farce under investigation by ODPA

Phonebook farce under investigation by ODPA

Wednesday 02 October 2019

Phonebook farce under investigation by ODPA

Wednesday 02 October 2019


The Data Protection Authority have launched an investigation into Sure, and how it handled personal data when compiling its 2019/20 phonebook.

Sure has been told about the investigation, and the Office said it would welcome the telecom firm's "constructive engagement" and anticipated "their full cooperation".

Specifically, the ODPA is looking at section 69 of the Data Protection Law, covering the pressing of personal data. 

A spokesperson for the ODPA said: "The outcome of the ODPA’s investigation should not be speculated on, or its conclusion pre-judged. No further comment will be made at this time.

"Whilst as previously advised individuals should speak to Sure in the first instance if they are concerned about their personal data, ongoing issues can be reported to the ODPA."

Sure directory telephone 2019/2020

Many have been put out by the increase in adverts and community information in the 2019/20 directory, along with the move of the yellow pages to the front. 

It all comes after people noticed a multitude of errors with the new directory, and also pointed out that some ex-directory names had been wrongly printed. Others had been included when they specifically asked not to be. 

Initially, Sure tried to blame Data Protection on its mistakes. The Authority was quick to rule that out, however, claiming the law did not require the telecoms company to alter the way it had done things in the past. 

Sure's move did bring the phonebook under the ODPA's spotlight though, and it quickly labeled the mistakes "distressing". 

Pictured top: Sure's High Street branch and its newest telephone directory. 

 

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