The new 118 800 mobile phone directory service in the UK was supposed to go live last Thursday, but the company was delayed until Friday. Now The Daily Mail reports that the delayed launch may be an indication that the company is struggling with a new round of consumer backlash and legal questions from the Information Commissioner’s Office.
The company behind the service, Connectivity, bought the numbers from list brokers who buy personal details. Many mobile users have objected to the service using ‘personal’ data.
Thousands contacted Vodafone, O2, T-mobile and Orange, asking them not to give numbers to 118 800.
The networks have not provided numbers and have no relationship with the company.
The Information Commissioner said it is checking the service for any breaches of privacy laws, including the Data Protection Act.
Connectivity says that it is within the law as it does not give out numbers, but acts as an intermediary.