In what is being seen as an infringement of an individual's rights the Post Office has entered into a joint venture with Intimate Data to launch a National Address Database (NAD) this month. With information taken from the client databases of Telkom, Escom and the SABC the company intends to offer subscribers the ability to generate a tailored view of an individual, corporation or household for marketing purposes.
Subscribers will be able to verify physical addresses, link post box numbers to physical addresses, confirm if an individual has used an address and obtain alternative addresses. The data will also allow titles, first names, surnames, gender, ID numbers, phone and fax numbers and approximate income to be obtained.
Constitutional Law expert Cathi Albertyn of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies said the NAD could constitute an invasion of privacy, since ones consent for the use of such information is necessary and the potential for abuse exists. John Ross of Intimate Data says, "A lot of work has been done to see if it is legal or not, and it is legal."
The Argus has subsequently reported that the Post Office does not intend selling its client database to Intimate Data. Whatever the case, ones right to privacy although protected in the Constitution, continues to be eroded.
Members of the public who wish to voice their concern about NAD can phone the SA National Consumer Union on 012-341-8158.
Article in the Star
Reader Comments:
I FEEL THAT IS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO SIGN A MEMORANDUM AGAINST THE POST OFFICE. IT IS OUR RIGHT AND WE HAVE PRIVILEGES OF PRIVACY. HOW CAN THE POST OFFICE SELL OUR DATA? THIS IS AN INVASION OF PRIVACY AND WE MUST PROTECT THAT. THEY MUST BOYCOTT THE POST OFFICE IN EACH AND EVERY WAY IF THEY ARE GOING TO PROCEED WITH THIS.
I am horrified!! They should not be allowed to give any information out about their clients. To do this is unethical & not allowed by any profession!
I agree it is an invasion of privacy and am appalled to think it may happen. If legal action is necessary to stop this from happening, I will give my support.
I BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE STOPPED AT ALL COST!!! WE DO NOT WANT OUR DETAILS SOLD. WE HAVE A RIGHT TO PRIVACY.
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