Data Protection and data mining

[David Hansen]

On 12 Mar 2002 at 6:36, Peter Fairbrother wrote:

> I recently 'phoned British Gas, after they sent me a threatening
> letter (I'm not a customer, I assume it was a mistake). They asked me
> for my name and address, then asked me to "confirm" my telephone
> number. I asked why and was told "it's for Data Protection".

Obvioiusly it's nonsense. Anyone impersonating you could have got it 
from the telephone directory, along with your address. Their excuse 
has nothing to do with data protection. I suggest writing to them 
pointing this out. This will just produce an evasive answer full of 
nonsense, but at least they can't claim they were unaware.

> Most people would have given it without a thought, and given away
> their birthdates and mother's maiden names too.

Agreed. Far too many people are all to eager to give strangers all 
sorts of information about themselves. Large companies give the 
impression that anyone who refuses to do so has something to hide.

Personally I now tend to sign for packages as Mr M Mouse, as well as 
use that name for web sites. I also give false information in regrad 
to dates of birth, my mother's maiden name, place of birth of my 
parents and all sorts of other things. This makes it more difficult 
for bank staff to steal my identity. I was once asked where my 
grandparents were born, I neither know or care.

This whole subject has largely come about because of the attitude of 
UK government to encryption. People want to communicate quickly, but 
government has tried to prevent and then destroyed confidence in the 
technologies that would allow this to be done by e-mail in a way that 
identifies and protects both parties. No doubt the Home Office and 
those hiding behind Home Office skirts are very pleased with this 
situation.

--
  David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
 I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
 prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.