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Data Protection Act/Privacy Rights

  • 11-03-2009 03:13PM
    #1
    empty_vessal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 11 ✭


    I'd like to get some feedback on this matter. Today I sent a mail to a large circulation of people in a large organisation highlighting some particularly bad parking. Attached was a photograph of the cars. I was then sent a private mail which said the following:

    "I am concerned about the use of the _____ list whereby it draws attention to the actions of a potentially named individual with respect to their privacy rights. Whilst it is reasonable to draw attention to bad parking is it then right to potentially identify the individual who in your opinion has parked badly? By publishing a photo of their car and registration number you are actually doing this.

    We already had a complaint under the Data Protection Act when photographs were published that identified cars driving ...."

    Any opinions on this? I thought that because its easy to trace the name of the owner from a vehicle license plate that the question of privacy was a mute point.


Comments

  • #2
    Victor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,655 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    "Can the owner of 09 XY 999 please move their car? We are about to call the clampers."

    I imagine the argument is pretty weak. You might talk to the Data Protection Commissioner though.


  • #3
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,190 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    It would only be a (possible) breach of the DPA if it was actually possible to identify the individuals based on their number plate. As it is, in Ireland it is not possible (for Joe Public) to obtain a person's name or other personal details by simply having their number plate.#

    In addition, since the person has parked their car in public (or in a public place), they have no right to privacy - that is, they have no right to have their parking location or the alignment of their vehicle kept private.

    If someone is able to put a number plate and a name together, that's not really the sender's problem - that is, the sender has not revealed any more information than is already publically available. Which is in effect the essence of data protection.


  • #4
    empty_vessal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 11 ✭empty_vessal


    Nice work there seamus

    Much appreciated!


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