Personal data

I received the following letter with reference to the article "Do we need to run another campaign?":

I read your article in The Sunday Times of May 16 regarding a case when someone leaked some personal information through the car number plate. In this article you mentioned that you contacted the licensing department but it was difficult to trace if there was a leak or not. In my opinion there might be other, maybe simpler, possibilities how such information may leak.

Today most car owners enrol with a towing company. These companies keep records of their clients' cars probably including personal details and car number. Normally car owners affix a sticker of the towing company to their car. So one only needs to note the towing company and try to trace a 'friend' to get back the information.

Another possibility is through insurance companies. Probably a question that is asked in case of accident to the person involved is with whom he/she is insured.

Obviously both options described above go against the Data Protection Act. I wrote this message so that people are aware of the different ways how their personal information may leak. (Frankie Tanti)

I thank Mr Tanti for his letter worth sharing with our readers.