Mobile directory sparks privacy fears

10 Jun 2009

The UK's first directory enquiries service for mobile phones has been launched amid fears that it threatens the privacy of those on its database.

The Connectivity service holds the mobile phone numbers of 15 million people, with details "generally" collected from companies which gather them from customers and were given the permission to share the numbers.

Users can prompt a search of the database via phone or email, and if successful an operator will call the recipient, who can accept or decline the call.

The company said that at no time are the numbers disclosed to people trying to get in touch with individuals and only people verified as being over 18 are included in its directory.

However, Simon Davies, of Privacy International, said that people on the directory will have unwittingly agreed to have their number circulated by not ticking a box on a market research form.

He added that people "enjoy having selective disclosure" with their mobile phone number, so the service raises "fundamental privacy issues".

But Connectivity chief executive Raj Raithatha argues that the service is "privacy-friendly" because it never gives out a number.

He said: "If you try to connect to someone, it's up to the individual to get that information exchanged, we won't disclose numbers without express permission."