Almost half of people living in Britain are not aware that they can prevent third parties, such as direct marketing companies, from accessing their personal information on the electoral register.

The nationwide survey coincides with advice published today by The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to help individuals who are concerned about the use of their personal information on the electoral register.

The new guidance outlines how individuals have the right to restrict the use of their information on the register.

It is compulsory for individuals to provide their personal information for the full electoral register which is then used by public authorities and credit reference agencies.

However it is the edited version of the register that is made more widely available. Individuals who do not want their details sold to other organisations, for example for marketing purposes, can opt out of appearing in this edited version.

‘The ICO is regularly contacted by individuals who are concerned that their personal information on the electoral register is being sold to different companies for a range of purposes, particularly marketing.

This guidance very clearly states how you can tick the box on the voter registration form to opt out if you do not want your details on the electoral register to be made widely available.’ said David Smith, Deputy Commissioner