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New Threat to Company Director Information |
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It has been reported in The Business 7th July 2002 that the government is under pressure to close down websites which allow extremists to look up the names of company directors and shareholders.
This is because certain extremist organisations, for example, Animal Rights Campaigners, on sourcing such data from websites, including www.192.com , intimidate the company directors and shareholders.
As these registers contain public information there is nothing the Information Commissioner can do in terms of the Data Protection legislation to stop such processing which, inevitably can cause harm and distress. Whilst one obviously has enormous sympathy with the directors and shareholders of companies such as Huntington Life Sciences, one wonders whether trying to close down public information websites is the correct answer to the problem.
It is well known that the data these websites provide is gathered from the electoral register. Apparently research scientists led by Labour Party donor, Paul Drayson, are calling for more protection claiming colleagues still suffer from nuisance calls and assaults from Animal Rights Activists.
Apparently potential investors are so concerned they are refusing to back such companies.
Drayson is reported to having said the government has given directors of bio-science firms the right not to have their home addresses published with the company details but we would like to see that protection available right down to their smallest investors.
Due to intimidation Huntingdon was forced to de-list from the London Stock Exchange and reports are that intimidation has spread to organisations doing business with Huntingdon, such as their insurance brokers.
The Bio-Industrial Association (BIA) representing companies such as Huntingdon, are lobbying the House of Commons Trade and Industry Select Committee. Drayson is reported to have said The BIA does not believe that electoral rolls should be sold on for commercial purposes; for example to internet search engines.
The value of such information for credit purposes, which can be gleaned from these websites cannot be over stated. If used responsibly it benefits lenders and those granting credit to ensure sensible and informed credit decisions are made. Such responsible use has to be applauded and if it were not freely available the credit industry would suffer severely.
Even if the information was not available on the worldwide web, those wishing to carry out such intimidatory tactics which may very well be criminal in their nature would no doubt find other means to carry out their practices.
For latest credit news please go to www.debtscotland.com and complete the registration to receive your free updates and access to free downloadable credit control letters.
Stephen Cowan
Yuill & Kyle, Debt Recovery and Credit Control Lawyers, Scotland
scowan@yuill-kyle.co.uk 0141 572 4251
www.debtscotland.com
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