We've just had a reply to Doreen's e-mail about her son's photo appearing in
the newspaper. It came from "[log in to unmask]". Could those who believe
an e-mail address is personal data explain how the individual behind that
address can be identified from it?
It's reasonable to surmise that it's somebody whose surname (or maiden
name?) is (was) Turner. Hotmail addresses can belong to an individual
anywhere in the world. How many Turners are there worldwide? It's also
reasonable to surmise that this individual is in the UK since this is
primarily a UK list (though by no means guaranteed, given the large number
of contributors from other countries). That must narrow the list down to a
few thousand - VERY personal.
(My apologies to the person behind this e-mail address - I hope this doesn't
feel like I'm singling you out, it's just that your e-mail address proves a
point very nicely.)
Consider also e-mail addresses that are based on job function, for example
[log in to unmask] That is personal on a transient basis - it
identifies an individual who holds the post at a point in time. But if you
respond to an e-mail sent six months ago there may be a totally different
postholder at the time you reply. Personal? Possibly.
SOME e-mail addresses are personal - mine, for example, identifies a named
individual in a named company - but not ALL addresses are personal.
Stuart
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