Linked Addresses

[ianandemma]

Hi I wrote to experian about linked addresses been on the file for more than six years

They wrote back and said

The Information Commissioner offers guidance on how long information is retrieved on a credit report.

Under principle 5 (Personal data processed for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purposes) we are able to keep the linked address data for as long as we deem necessary as long as we can justify the length of time.

im not happy that this guidance is subjective,

can I challenge this?

Thanks

[charitynjw]

Re: Linked Addresses

http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisati...inciple_5.aspx

See 'Agreed Industry Practices' (towards bottom of page)

[labman]

Re: Linked Addresses

Unfortunately they are correct. The ICO used to say the information should be kept for no longer than 6 years, but this has now been changed to as long as they think there is a link.

I can see two routes you could take. One is to go to the Data Controller of the CRA and ask what their justification is for linking you still.

The other, and probably more likely to achieve a result, is to complain direct to the ICO.

Contact us - Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

[ianandemma]

Re: Linked Addresses

Thanks Labman
You have really helped lead me to what I need to do with this. I will write back to Experian and ask them for justification, if they dont provide me reasonable justification I will go to the ICO.
Do you by any chance know the data controllers email address?
Regards

[labman]

Re: Linked Addresses

Data Controller
Customer Support Centre,
PO Box 1136,
Warrington,
WA4 9GQ .

I also have this one on file for them:

Experian Ltd
Customer Support Centre
PO Box 8000
Nottingham
NG80 7WF

Both appear valid - the Warrington one is from their own website though!