Data tracing a major risk for domestic abuse victims

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has conducted an investigation into data protection practices in the tracing agent sector, following concerns raised by a women’s charity about a domestic abuse victim’s details being shared. While the ICO found no fault with tracing companies and private investigators, it identified a trend of domestic abusers using accessible technology to trace their ex-partners. The ICO has issued some guidance and recommendations for tracing agents and intends to continue working with charities and rights organisations to protect the data of abuse victims.