‘Location Data’ information held about my mobile phone:

article in the ONline section of the Guardian next thurday 6th February 2003

With the technology writer S A Mathieson of Guardian ONline section, I charged off trying to get the ‘location data’ held by the Cellnet / O2 company on the use of my own mobile phone.

They were generally obstructive and after complaint to the Data Commisioner, eventually came up with hundreds of sheet of information that was completely useless. The information was supplied in a ‘coded form’. They refused to give the additional information, that would make any sence of what they had eventually supplied.

The article on all this, will be in the ONline section of the Guardian next thurday 6th February 2003. So, do take a peek.

Location data, is the information that the phone companies keep, on the whereabouts of mobile phone users. I’ve gone off about the difficulties that I’ve had, in trying to get such information under the Data Protection Act.

To explain my interest a little further .. .. .. ..

I have been at demonstrations, when I’ve seen people, I know to be involved in the organisation of the event, use their mobile phone. Shortly after, I’ve seen a police ‘snatch squad’ charge in and arrest the person concerned. Having been nearby, I’ve not seen these people throw rocks or abuse that otherwise might well have caused them to be targeted. I could, of course, nave no idea if other ‘intelligence’ was being used..

Previous blog entry on the story so far …. at:

‘Location Data’ on the use of a mobile phone

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2002_07_14_tash_lodge_archive.html#79031925

SA Mathieson`s webpage: http://www.samathieson.com

His Article Portfolio: http://www.samathieson.fsnet.co.uk/SAMathieson/portfolio.htm