Parties warned on election emails after data protection breaches
The office said it had received numerous complaints during previous campaigns.
Commissioner Billy Hawkes has warned them against using information from third parties to contact voters. During previous election campaigns the commissioner received numerous complaints from individuals in receipt of unsolicited SMS (text) messages, emails and phone calls from parties and candidates for election.
According to the office of the DPC, “in many cases, the individual had no previous contact with the political party or candidate and was concerned at the manner in which their details were sourced. Subsequent investigations revealed that contact details were obtained from sources such as sports clubs, friends, colleagues and schools”.
About 60 people complained to the DPC after the 2007 election and 2009 local elections. Would-be TDs and councillors had been given voters’ names, addresses, emails and phone numbers, mainly by GAA and rugby clubs, and from friends and work colleagues.
Deputy Commissioner Gary Davis said officials wanted to avoid a repeat.
Mr Davis said no politicians can be prosecuted for sending unsolicited texts and emails or making phone calls as they are exempt under the legislation.
Political parties, however, can be held responsible, along with the third partywho has released the information. No enforcement orders or fines were issuedafter clubs were exposed for giving out people’s details.
One school principal was investigated for sending unsolicited texts to parents.
The commissioner said that obtaining personal data in such circumstances would constitute a breach of the Data Protection Acts.
He urged parties and candidates to abide by these simple guidelines:
* Do not attempt to obtain or use contact information from third parties
* Avoid sending electoral messages to persons other than those — such as party members — who can reasonably be assumed to consent to receipt of such messages
Meanwhile, a new political website claiming it can hold politicians to their promises has been launched.
Editor of www.campaigntrail.ie David Forsythe, said the website will act as a way for the public to directly contact candidates and pool information on whether they respond to requests or keep their election claims.
* Further information at www.campaigntrail.ie, on Facebook at Campaigntrail.ie or on Twitter at @campaigntrail.ie
