Significant Electoral Roll opt-out figures announced by Equifax

According to Equifax , more registered voters than ever are following the opt-out trend; however the company warns that voters may experience unforeseen problems by doing so. Whilst the full Electoral Roll information is made available for companies checking an individual during a credit application process, the Edited Electoral Roll which only includes voters information who have consented to having their personal data included, or rather not opted-out, is often used by companies for identification purposes.

Equifax believe that if an individuals name is not in the Edited Electoral Roll then they may not be able to shop online, or for example, complete a verification process during money laundering checks. With up to a third of voters having opted out, many could potentially experience some difficulties when trying to prove their identities.

Commenting on the results, Neil Munroe , External Affairs Director at Equifax said, “A growing number of consumers seem to believe that by opting out they are reducing the chance of receiving unwanted mail. However, by taking this action they are probably only making it more difficult to shop online and by mail order.” He went on to say “It is particularly worrying that the rate of opt-outs continues to increase, because of the importance of the Edited Electoral Roll for the identity of consumers.”

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!