Data Protection Act and the storage of the contents of texts.

[Anonymous]

how long is this data stored for and why am i having so much trouble trying to get access to the contents of text messages that have been sent from my phone?

the subject access form states that the content cannot be provided but under the data protection act surely i have a right to see this information?

[Anonymous]

You can't ask for the information as a consumer, but law enforcement officials can. And they have a certain telephone number, not publicly listed, to contact us on about it.

[Anonymous]

"public registration held by the Information Commissioner", wheres this then?

[MI5]

---

@Anonymous wrote:
You can't ask for the information as a consumer, but law enforcement officials can. And they have a certain telephone number, not publicly listed, to contact us on about it.

---

I bet you still get sales calls and spam on it though

[MI5]

---

@Anonymous wrote:
"public registration held by the Information Commissioner", wheres this then?

---

http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_the_public/official_information.aspx ??

[Anonymous]

@ pablo, is that because the contents of text messages is stored soley for the purpose of lawful investigations etc?

[Anonymous]

@mi5, or http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/ couldnt find any previous searches on o2 or telefonica.

[Anonymous]

---

@Anonymous wrote:
@ pablo, is that because the contents of text messages is stored soley for the purpose of lawful investigations etc?

---

Its a tightrope situation for O2.  Don't keep the data = possible perverting of jusice.  Keep the data too long = breach of D.P.A act and harm to the brand.  So the compromise is to keep the data, but for a "reasonable" amount of time only and only make it available to law enforcement/courts (where the D.P.A act makes an exemption for).