As many who work in an office environment are aware, the individual's right to have their personal information safeguarded is upheld by the data protection act.

Having read the letter from the woman who was not able to update her daughter's address after contacting a public utility call centre (Opinion, September 27) I see nothing wrong in the conduct of the centre operative. It is a simple fact no information may be given to or changed by a third party unless prior authorisation has been given.

Perhaps the lady in question should consider her own behaviour before criticising others. How does she think the staff member felt, being harassed for doing her job properly? Did it not occur that the advisor's persistence was because she was correct?

-Name and address supplied