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Reverse telephone directory

Since September 2004 Deutsche Telekom directory enquiries (dial 11833) has been providing a reverse lookup service (See: Inverssuche Telefonauskunft). If you know only a telephone number you are able to discover the name and address of its owner. Previously this service was prohibited under data protection laws. The law, however, was always unenforceable. For years illegal software was available which decrypted and reverse indexed the Deutsche Telekom directory CDs.

All Deutsche Telekom customers should receive, or have received, a letter informing them of this change. This letter might take the form of very small text printed on the back of the ordinary telephone bill. If you are concerned about protecting your personal data make sure you read this letter carefully. Fortunately there is an opt out clause but unless you actively opt out your data will be published.



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