Comments on: RE: An open letter to 118800

By: DataDog

DataDog — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:45:33 +0000

you may be interested in this letter from the Assistant Information Commissioner to the MP John F Sparrell on the 118800 service http://tweetmeme.com/bar/110974930

By: DataDog

DataDog — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:02:04 +0000

Forgot to highlight a key statement from Connectivity’s response to the OFCOM consulation: Connectivity stated that “MNOs [mobile network operators] are manipulating their privacy obligations in such a way that consumers are not being given the opportunity to choose whether or not have their numbers included in a directory service”.

Interesting to note that Connectivity accepts that people should be given “the opportunity to choose whether or not have their numbers included in a directory service”. One must ask why they chose not to give people any opportunity .. of course they will say ‘we have and do …. people can opt-out’ ….. not quite the same is it?

By: DataDog

DataDog — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:34:10 +0000

Common Sense – agreed pedos would be unlikely to use the service. However, it’s not about whether a parent gives out a number .. it’s about the fact that companies to whom a parent may have registered a sim card (for a range of reasons inlcuding getting access to call data) may disclose data to 118800 for the purposes of the directory.

Also, what is to stop another company setting up a private directory service – does this mean that people will have to opt-out again?

This goes back to the fundamental issue that no entry should be made into a directory or directory enquiry service without the informed, transparent, positive agreement of individuals.

By: DataDog

DataDog — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:15:27 +0000

People may be interested in Connectivity’s response to the telecom regulators consultation on directory information obligations and regulations … it makes some interesting reading. And 118800 cant ask you to remove this post as the document is in the public domain

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/dirinfo/responses/connectivity.pdf

By: Common Sense

Common Sense — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:37:09 +0000

“Some reassuring PR answers but I’m still concerned that children are vulnerable to being contacted. Most children have their phones purchased by a parent with their parents credit/debit card details.”

Indeedy, but that’s covered in the fact that 118800 encourage people to make phones ex directory where they have purchased phones in their name and passed them to their kids. Also, if Fred the Pedo wants to get in touch with little Johnny Bloggs (for let’s face it, it’s the pedos and the “think of the children” lobby we are pandering to here) he’s not going to ring up the service and ask for Johnny’s mum or dad in the hope that it’s answered by a kid.
Also, if you are getting a phone for you kid, why would you then give the number out to marketing companies? SIM cards are two a penny these days (quite literally in fact) so it’s easy enough to change a kids number.

By: DataDog

DataDog — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:34:47 +0000

you have managed to get a better response from Connectitivity than PC Advisor which has just published an update from Connectivity!

By: Ric_

Ric_ — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:09:11 +0000

All valid points. Some of the info in my whois is out of date. My bad! But a good reminder to update it, thank you. Also at the time of registration opting out wasn’t an option. It is now which is good! The compliance with the DPA is what concerns me. Lets hope no one tries to get around it.

By: DataDog

DataDog — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:39:38 +0000

Ric, congrats on getting Connectivity to put their view and seeking to present a balance of views/arguments

By: DataDog

DataDog — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:35:33 +0000

Commonlylardy .. one assumes the data you obtained was from a whois search .. one assumes that Ric agreed to this being published and didn’t take advantage of the ability to withhold this data. The point is, it was his choice.

It’s not about whether the 118800 service is good or bad …. and privacy shouldn’t stop the development of new technologies or business models .. it’s about transparency and giving people the opportunity of choice and control .. and about ensuring the regulatory framework is fit for purpose (which it isn’t at the moment)

This has certainly been a wake up call for mobile users who will no doubt be more careful when supplying their personal data.

On the issue of buying on more data – it is hoped that such activities will comply with data privacy law .. which is doubtful at the moment. It will be interesting to see what the ICO says …

By: Ric_

Ric_ — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:12:43 +0000

An update to Question 5:

Also, in answer to question 5 that you mention in your commentary, they have no phoneline set up until the service resumes to allow people to out, but all opt-out emails to contact@118800.co.uk will be dealt with. Due to the volume of coverage this seemed the best option – again to avoid people being met by engaged tone when they call.

So if you wish to OPT-OUT just drop them a email.