The UK’s data protection watchdog is urging victims of so-called “text pests” to come forward after revealing that nearly a third (29%) of 18- to 34-year-olds have had their personal information misused.
Text pest cases occur when an individual gives their personal details, including a phone number or email, to a business for legitimate reasons. However, someone working at that business then uses the details to propose to the individual, for example, asking them out on a date.
The ICO said two-thirds (66%) of the British public believes it is not morally right to use personal details given for business purposes for romantic or sexual propositions.
That’s why it wants victims to come forward, so it can better gauge the impact of this illegal behavior.
It will also be contacting some of the biggest customer-facing employers in the country to remind them of their legal responsibilities and to learn more about the safeguards they have in place.