Experian clashed with UK data watchdog over an order demanding that the credit reference agency make fundamental changes to the way it handles customer data
The Office of the Information Commissioner (ICO) today released the results of a two-year investigation into Experian, Equifax and Transunion into how they use personal data for direct marketing purposes
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The investigation found that companies exchanged people’s data without their knowledge, and this resulted in products used by business organizations, political parties and charities to find new customers and identify people most likely to be able to purchase certain goods or services
Regulator ordered Experian to improve data protection compliance within nine months or face a fine of up to £ 20million or 4% of annual revenue
But Experian chief executive Brian Cassin said his company would appeal the decision, adding that the ICO’s opinion went « beyond legal requirements »
« This interpretation also risks damaging the services that help consumers, thousands of small businesses and charities, especially when trying to recover from the Covid-19 crisis »
The ICO said it is not taking action against Equifax and Transunion because they made improvements and removed certain products and services
However, he said that while Experian has made progress in improving compliance, it has not gone far enough
The confirmation notice requires the company to let people know how it is using their data for marketing purposes and to stop using the data derived from the credit reference arm of its business of here january of next year
« The data brokerage industry is a complex ecosystem where information appears to be widely exchanged, with no consideration for transparency, giving millions of adults in the UK little or no choice or control over their data personal, ”said Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham
« The lack of transparency and the absence of a legal basis, combined with the intrusive nature of profiling, have resulted in a serious violation of individuals’ rights to information »
Experian PLC, Information Commissioner’s Office, Personal Data, LON: EXPN
News from around the world – GB – Experian faces a watchdog over the use of personal data – CityAM
