TMCnet News
'New UK mobile phone directory raises alarm on privacy issues'Jun 09, 2009 (DMEUROPE via COMTEX) -- New directory service118800.co.uk claims it can connect customers to any of Britain's 42 million mobile phones for GBP 1 per search, a statement expected to cause a row over privacy when the service begins operating next week, the Times reported. The directory, which goes live on 18 June and already contains "millions" of mobile numbers and their users, is the first of its kind in the UK. It will function along the lines of an old-fashioned telephone operator: users will call the service and ask to be connected to the mobile phone of a person. The service then calls that mobile phone and asks for permission to connect the call. The service has been developed using data bought from market research businesses. People not wishing to be included on the list must inform the directory by text or phone that they wish to opt out. They will be charged their standard network rate and face a wait of four weeks before their number is excluded. Though the company says that its policy is not to include under-18s on the directory, where parents have given their children mobile phones they will also need to text from the children's phone to exclude them. Connectivity, the company behind the service, insisted that "users' privacy is paramount". It stressed that none of the numbers or personal details on its directory would ever be divulged and callers will be connected to the number they request only if the call receiver agrees. It said it had worked closely with consumer bodies such as the Office of the Information Commission (ICO) during the development of the service. Privacy groups are raising the alarm, saying the company needs to provide more information on how it obtained the numbers. There is also a danger that marketing companies and businesses could abuse the service to get hold of potential customers. Distributed for DMeurope.com via M2 Communications (www.m2.com) |