Data Campaign

[dazza12]

I've become very interested over the last couple of years in the Data Protection Act and how banks abuse it, and it has moved me enough to want to take action on this.

 

I've been in contact with several organisations, my MP etc. who have asked me to collate evidence where banks etc. have advised that they hold no data, or data limited to 6 years, but when taking subsequent action have then supplied such data.

 

I'm also interested in cases where the ICO has sided with the bank yet further action from the Data Subject has resulted in data being supplied (for instance after a court claim has been issued). Or, cases where the ICO have simply given incorrect advice or refused to pursue a case where a company has been clearly withholding data.

 

For too long banks have abused their dominant position over the consumer, and in this post bank crash era where consumers are fighting back, it's one of the few areas where banks think they can bully consumers into submission by trying to dictate the law to them. It's time to fight back.

 

Firstly I'd like to see how many people would be willing to support such a cause. If you've been in this situation, or have challenged the banks and they've subsequently backed down then I'd be very interested to hear from you. As a side issue, I'd be very interested to hear how far back people have been able to get data so that a general idea exists of what exists in what institution.

 

It may be that I might have to provide evidence to some bodies (parliament, ICO, etc.) so there may be a time where physical evidence may be needed (letters of refusal or details of court action) but if it gets to that stage I'd be very willing to cooperate in terms of protecting your personal data.

 

Finally, does anybody have any ideas over other action that could be taken? This would be an ideal place to discuss so that any further action can be coordinated.

[dx100uk]

the ppi forum is very good

 

we've seen sev example of say BC,natwest & HFc say they don't have the data them produce it in the reasons for their rejection of PPI letters

 

we/ve also seen many companies produce data back into the late 80's / early 90's after an sar

 

dx

[dazza12]

The PPI forum is partly why I'm looking to bring this issue up. I might post there to ask if people can help with evidence (for instance, 'no we don't have the data' followed by 'our records indicate you opted for ppi'), but once I've organised myself a bit better.

 

It's due to some of the responses I've had from Barclaycard, Santander and RBS despite knowing that they've got the data. I also did a SAR to Natwest back in the bank charges days but ended up just getting the six years of statements. When challenged they said that's all they had. I was younger and more gullible, however now I work in an environment where I deal with scanned documents on a daily basis, the reality is that very few places actually get rid of old data.

 

Bearing in mind that a couple of small business owners that I know have found themselves on the wrong end of the ICO due to a minor breach, it's shocking how the ICO will fail to act against a bank when they're acting to limit their liabilities rather than actually do what they law tells them to do - provide the data the subject has requested.

[citizenB]

dazza, it has been agreed that Poll thread might be the way to go.

 

What questions would you like asked and I will find someone who knows how to do the poll thread to set it up for you.