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摘要

The Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, has called for prison sentences of up to two years for the illegal buying and selling of personal information. He is using special powers under the Data Protection Act to present a report to Parliament. The report reflects his deep concern that confidential information can too easily be improperly obtained from public and private organisations, causing significant harm and distress to individuals. The report - 'What price privacy?' - highlights the existence of a pervasive and widespread industry devoted to illegally buying and selling people's personal information such as current addresses, details of car ownership, ex-directory telephone numbers or records of calls made, criminal records and bank account details. Private investigators, tracing agents and their operatives - often working loosely through several intermediaries - are the main suppliers. Information is usually obtained by making payments to staff or impersonating the target individual or another official. Some victims are in the public eye; others are entirely private citizens.