Experian are selling my business data!

Today I was amazed to discover that Experian are selling my business data without authorisation, and it seems they've been doing this for years.  The company who coldcalled me today have been using Experian's business lists to build up their customer database and as of Sept 2007 were ranked 12th largest web site design company in the UK - all thanks to Experian's underhand marketing strategy.  Want proof that Experian are using data for commercial reward?  See for yourself

According to the law, there are eight principles put in place by the Data Protection Act 1998 which specify that data must be:

• fairly and lawfully processed


• processed for limited purposes


• adequate, relevant and not excessive


• accurate


• not kept for longer than is necessary


• processed in line with your rights


• secure


• not transferred to countries outside the EU without adequate protection.

It is against the law if a data controller, for example an employer, does not keep to these principles.

Frankly, I don't believe my business data has been processed in line with my rights, nor is it being processed for limited purposes (being commercially marketed over a period of years), nor have I ever been informed by Experian that they would use my data in this way.  I have raised the issue with Experian, and am expecting a response shortly.

Naturally, I'll keep you posted.