HomeInsightsInformation Commissioner’s Office investigators raid house for evidence of illegal data selling.

The ICO has raided a house in Sheffield as part of an investigation into illegal trading of personal data.

An ongoing investigation has suggested that people living at the address could be selling data lists to marketing companies to be used in making nuisance calls.

The ICO received complaints about emails advertising databases for sale and traced them to the Sheffield business.  Sales emails were sent to individuals and businesses, including the ICO itself.

The ICO reminds readers that it is not against the law to sell data lists, but companies must have obtained the data lawfully and have the right to sell it on.  Companies handling personal data must also register with the ICO, unless covered by an exemption.

The ICO will not be naming the business while the investigation is ongoing.

Andy Curry, ICO Enforcement Group Manager, said: “The illegal trade in personal data can be the start of a trail that ends in a nuisance call.  Our job is to use all our powers to stop that happening.  In the last year we’ve issued £2.3 million of fines, targeting companies responsible for more than 72 million calls and almost two million spam text messages”.  To read the ICO’s press release in full, click here.

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