Personal information is one of the most valuable commodities in society today. Government and public service providers gather a wealth of information from taxpayers, car owners, benefit recipients, patients, clients, customers and voters. Businesses, too, are intent on developing ever more sophisticated ways of capturing and using data about individuals.

Consumers have much to gain from these developments. But whenever personal data is collected and stored, it may also be abused. Wrong information may be passed on to third parties, privacy invaded, or individuals besieged by marketers. Trust is hard-won and necessarily fragile. If the information age is to develop on secure foundations, it is vital that those who collect and use personal data maintain the confidence of those who are asked to provide it.

ID theft one-stop service

We launched our campaign for a 'one-stop shop' for victims of identity theft 18 months ago, as the scale and seriousness of this crime, and its nightmare impact on victims, became all too clear.

Over the past year we've worked hard with industry to make a 'one-stop' service happen. As a result, the three UK credit referenace agencies - Equifax, Experian and CallCredit - have agreed to provide a free, joined-up support service for consumers whose credit reports have been compromised.

Click here for our latest campaign update; read here our latest press release.