I agree that the time period does seem quite long.
I suspect that although the process of checking data against TPS records
is simple from our perspective, in the context of a large business with
a lot of data this is more difficult. I'm not disagreeing with you, I
just think we don't know enough about their business to comment on their
ability to respond.
However as you also correctly point out, this is not a nice relaxing
transition in to new processes, this is law now and therefore compliance
is already overdue. I have some friends in IT who are working very long
and hard to ensure that they comply with new VISA regulations for
security of their data processing, because if they don't they will be
fined money for each transaction which they process outside of the VISA
regs.
The UKIC stance does not quite have the same teeth.
Ian
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tim Trent
Sent: 12 October 2006 12:47
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] UKIC and requiring timely compliance with
PECR
I'm throwing this open for thoughts. I have a TPS listed domestic
number, and it still gets called by those who, for one reason or
another, do not obey the Privacy and Electronic Communications
Regulations. Maybe it's accidental, maybe it's wilful, who can say?
One such is a kitchen design firm, Bracken Bay Kitchens (BBK). Why is
it always phones or home improvements? Ah well.
The man form the UKIC states that the UKIC has received "a number of
complaints about this company and have investigated these." I like that
a lot. He goes on to say "They have admitted that in recent months they
have had problems in meeting the obligations which PECR imposes on them.
However they have told us that they are now taking steps to ensure their
compliance with these regulations."
Well ok, I can empathise with that, in part. But it doesn't take much
to get the TPS data, scrub their own data against it, and therefore not
break the regulations any more. All it takes is a little knowledge, and
it can even be done in M$oft Access in a very few minutes. So my
empathy runs dry quite fast.
That was the history. The bit I find odd, knowing the simplicity of
handling TPS data, is the following from the UKIC: "As the Information
Commissioner's powers are not punitive (we cannot levy fines or close
down
organisations) but are instead focused on ensuring compliance with the
law, we have decided at this stage not to take formal Enforcement
action. However if the Telephone Preference Service and ourselves still
continue to receive complaints about this firm then we will review our
position. As Bracken Bay Kitchens have informed us that their remedial
measures will take effect within the next few weeks we expect to see a
marked improvement by early December."
Well, they could enforce, but if BBK is moving to compliance I see why
they are not doing so. But what I do find to be odd is the huge grace
time they are giving. I see this as a "complete by the end of next week
at the latest" thing. Am I being unrealistic? After all, this is a
law, or in this case a statutory instrument, that is not being complied
with.
"Sorry, Officer, I was having a bit of trouble meeting my speed limit
obligations. I WILL get down to below the speed limit soon. Give me a
couple of hours and I'll find the brake!" Or am I just trying to get
off a speeding ticket?
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