Telkom is considering taking legal action against EasyInfo, following the Web site`s publication of Telkom subscribers` personal details on the site.
The action relates to EasyInfo`s new EasyPeople online residential directory, which went live last weekend. The directory contains the names, addresses and telephone numbers of Telkom subscribers, including those who are unlisted in Telkom directories.
We sent a letter of demand to EasyInfo yesterday, insisting that they cease using this information.
Andrew Weldrick, media relations senior manager, Telkom
Telkom spokesman Andrew Weldrick says neither Telkom nor Telkom Directory Services (TDS) made the data available to EasyInfo.
He refutes rumours that TDS supplied the information, stating that Telkom supplies TDS with the database it uses to publish directories, and that this database does not include unlisted numbers.
"We are very concerned about our customers` right to privacy," he says. "With this in mind, we sent a letter of demand to EasyInfo yesterday, insisting that they cease using this information without the express permission of the telephone subscribers. We have not received a satisfactory response, and are currently meeting with council with a view to taking further action," he says.
Weldrick says Telkom has launched an urgent investigation into the matter. The company is also considering offering free number changes to those with unlisted numbers whose privacy was compromised by the EasyPeople listing. Telkom points out that such a move would not be an admission of liability, but in the interests of safeguarding its subscribers` privacy.
Click here......... to read a statement released today by Alan Lipschitz, MD of Interface Media, proprietor for online directory, EasyInfo.co.za.
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