18 January 2008
Mobile phone retailer the Carphone Warehouse is at risk of being fined in court, after the firm accidentally exposed customers' personal details on the web.
Confirmation of the data leak came yesterday from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which said that thousands of customers had had their details revealed.
The Carphone Warehouse, along with sister firm TalkTalk, was told of the potential prosecution last week - and now faces an unlimited fine from authorities for breaching the Data Protection Act.
Mick Gorrill, assistant commissioner at the ICO, said: "Carphone Warehouse and TalkTalk's use of inaccurate and incorrect personal data has caused real damage and distress to customers.
"We have now ordered them to take the necessary steps to ensure customers' personal information is sufficiently protected."
The firm also apologised for the data breach.
Meanwhile, the Carphone Warehouse announced excellent third-quarter results today - with rising sales driving a 14% increase in revenue.
Strong broadband sales - with 114,000 new subscribers added across the three months - were a key driver of the firm's growth.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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