The Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, called for custodial sentences for individuals who knowingly or recklessly obtain or disclose information without the consent of the data controller.

He made the call while giving evidence to the Commons Culture Media and Sport Select Committee as part of its enquiry into press standards, privacy and libel.

Currently the courts can only levy fines for such a breach of the Data Protection Act. Graham feels that fines are not a sufficient deterrent to stop the unauthorised trade in the disclosure or personal information.

more info