Privacy Pirates

The Malay Mail published a report on privacy pirates: people (companies) who sell personal data of individuals -- from ordinary folk to celebrities, businessmen and ministers.

It's big business. They sell the data for prices in the range of RM1,200 to RM5,000.

According to the MM, "the high-end databases were mainly obtained from property developers while the credit card database is from financial institutions and market research agencies.

"As for telco records, we source it daily from various telecommunications providers and middle-men."

Now, let me tell you the source of the supply of data and information.

From stores, shops, eateries, petrol stations etc etc... you know all the forms that you fill up to be a card member of this and that to get discounts -- departmental store, petrol, favourite coffee shop, favourite restaurant DISCOUNT CARDS.

How freely and blithely we fill up these forms, furnishing them with our addresses, phone numbers and INCOME level.

Now -- that is where all those data originate.

But I'm sure you know that.

Very pricey info.