The UK's Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, has highlighted several major companies for breaching data protection rules over the past year; Orange, Barclays and NatWest.

Interestingly of the 24,000 enquiries and complaints about personal information issues in 2006-07, Internet firms generated the most frustration with 13%, followed by banks (12%), direct marketing organisations (10%) and telecoms firms (7%):


The BBC News Online summary will no doubt cause concern among many of Orange's broadband and mobile customers. The news follows recent customer complaints about poor speed, connection problems and flaky support.