Homeworking and withheld number deciphering software.

[The Seeker]

One of the posters on this forum has said that their company has a facility to track withheld numbers.

I found out that this system is probably in breach of the Data Protection Act, unless it is for the emergency services. I sometimes use my home phone to make a few business calls, but want to protect my privacy as I don't want clients calling me back, but my head office.

Anybody got any info on how legitmate this software is and the steps to take if someone is using it and breaching the Data Protection Act?

[Buenchico]

Since I answered the first part of your question, I suppose I ought to respond to this bit as well!

As I indicated previously, there are various Acts which could be relevant here (including the Data Protection Act). My feeling is that the first people to contact should be the company which provides your home telephone service. This is because, under Section 10 of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, they must provide you, free of charge, with a means of withholding your number:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2003/20032426.htm
Obviously this has to be an effective method so, if your number is actually being forwarded without your permission, the telephone company needs to take action in order to comply with these Regulations.

If you don't seem to get anywhere with the phone company, you'll need to contact the Information Commissioner's Office:
http://www.ico.gov.uk/eventual.aspx?id=32

Chris

[The Seeker]

Thanks for your prompt answer, Chris.

This issue could be a consideration for people who want telephone work.It's good to know that homeworkers' privacy can be protected.

One word of warning to potential hopmeworkers: it's easy to forget to withhold your no and get clients calling you back at night. It can disturb your beauty sleep!

Cheers.

[spacechimp]

What's a hopmeworker?

[The Seeker]

It's what you get when you can't edit your message once posted.