§ Lord Lucasasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their estimate of the number of individuals and firms who employ agents (as a result of deceptive advertisements or otherwise) who tout for business to make registrations under the Data Protection Act 1998 on behalf of the individuals and firms. [HL1399]
68WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Lord Filkin)The Information Commissioner estimates that he has received about 27,000 notifications (registrations) via bogus agencies over the past three financial years. This figure does not distinguish between individuals and firms.
I understand that the commissioner is aware of some other companies that offer data protection advice, including help with notification. but he is not in a position to estimate how many of these there are, or how many businesses or individuals use them.
Additionally, some individuals and businesses will undoubtedly consider it beneficial to pay someone such as an accountant or lawyer to submit and keep under review their notification. It would seem reasonable to assume that many such professionals advertise or otherwise solicit custom, but the commissioner is unable to speculate as to the extent of this.